Oman fast bowler Bilal Khan becomes fastest pacer to take 100 wickets in ODIs
Oman fast bowler Bilal Khan has notched up the record for becoming the fastest pacer to take 100 wickets in One-Day International cricket. Bilal, the 36-year-old, did so in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Namibia in Dundee.
Having achieved the feat in 49 innings, the Pakistan-born cricketer has broken the record of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who accomplished it in 51. The right-arm pacer is now the third fastest overall behind Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane and Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (both spinners).
Lamichhane accomplished the feat in 42 innings, while Rashid completed it in 44.
Oman secure nervy win over Namibia as Bilal Khan sets record:
Bilal Khan's disciplined bowling figures of 10-1-50-3 ensured that Oman restricted Namibia to 196/9 in 50 overs. Along with the veteran, Fayyaz Butt took two wickets, while Kaleemullah, Jay Odedra, and Shoaib Khan finished with one apiece.
In the second innings, Oman captain Aqib Ilyas held their batting together with 68 off 129 deliveries, consisting of five boundaries and a maximum. The partnership of 64 between Khalid Kail and Ilyas was critical, with the former scoring 43 being run out. Shoaib Khan remained unbeaten on 26 and took his side home.
Oman needed 49.1 overs to chase down the total and won the match by four wickets. Ilyas secured the Player of the Match award for his 68. It was also the first victory for Oman, having lost to Namibia and Scotland before after witnessing a no result against Scotland.
Canada occupy the top spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 table with four wins from four matches, while Namibia are second with four victories in seven outings.
Oman and Namibia were part of the T20 World Cup this year and were in the same group, but suffered group-stage exits. However, the match between them im the mega event saw a super over, with Namibia coming out on top.