In a series that was largely dominated by Oman, the fifth and final T20I at Doha’s West End Park International Cricket Stadium provided a gritty finish. Qatar Women managed to pull off a spirited defense of a modest total, winning the match by 7 runs and ensuring they didn’t finish the home tour empty-handed. While Oman had already secured the series earlier in the week, this final encounter was a showcase of disciplined bowling from both sides on a surface that offered plenty for the slow bowlers.
Choosing to field first, Oman’s bowling unit initially looked like they would make short work of the hosts. Qatar struggled to find any real rhythm against the tight lines of the visitors, eventually posting 102/6 in their 20 overs. The innings never quite took flight, with the batters finding it difficult to clear the infield consistently. However, what seemed like a straightforward chase for an in-form Oman side quickly turned into a nervous collapse as the pitch slowed down.
Oman’s pursuit of 103 runs started on the worst possible note. They lost their reliable openers, Jayadhanyha Gunasekar and Nitya Joshi, within the first two overs for just 3 and 4 runs respectively. Getrude Candiru was the architect of this early destruction, putting Oman on the back foot immediately. Despite a fighting 35 off 37 balls from skipper Priyanka Mendonca, who tried her best to anchor one end, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of a mounting required rate and clinical Qatari fielding.
The middle and lower order for Oman simply couldn’t get going. Players like Javed Hina (6) and Amanda Dcosta (7) spent time at the crease but couldn’t find the boundary when it mattered most. Qatar’s bowling remained relentless; Getrude Candiru finished with an exceptional spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 15 runs in her 4 overs. She was well-supported by Shahreen Bahadur and Aysha, who both claimed two wickets apiece, keeping the squeeze on until the very end.
As the game reached its climax, Oman found themselves needing a miracle from the tail. However, the discipline of the Qatari bowlers proved too much. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 95 in 19.1 overs, falling just 7 short of the target. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for an Oman side that had been clinical throughout the tour, but for Qatar, it was a hard-earned victory built on the back of a never say die attitude in the field.
At the post-match ceremony, Getrude Candiru was the obvious choice for Player of the Match for her match-winning four-wicket haul. On the broader scale, Oman’s Jayadhanyha Gunasekar was named Player of the Series, having been the standout performer across the five games. Oman takes the trophy home with a 4-1 series victory, but Qatar walks away with the confidence of knowing they can go toe-to-toe with their neighbors in high-pressure situations.
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