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Oman came from seemingly nowhere to finish second in the 2004 ACC Trophy and clinch a place in the aborted 2006 Asia Cup as well as the ICC Trophy of 2005. They have been perilously inconsistent ever since but got their act together to great effect in the 2007 ACC Twenty20 Cup where they contested, and jointly won, an epic final with Afghanistan.
Even better though was their performance in ICC World Cricket League Division 2 a month later where they topped the table after the group stage, against some tough opposition. That booked Oman a place in the 2009 ICC World Cup Qualifier where they had every chance of qualifying for the World Cup of 2011. They will look back on their performances in that competition with a feeling that they could have, and should have, done better.
They are a team of mature, personable individuals who bring much credit to themselves and their country. Their rise has been based on having a team packed with all-rounders along with superb team spirit. They have a habit of prevailing in close matches which says much for their competitive instincts. Oman have all the ingredients for success, including a vigorous national association. Artificial turf wickets have been introduced that simulate grass to better prepare for international competition. Once they have turf facilities on which they can play and practise regularly, they will truly become a cricketing force.
Oman ended last season with victory in the ACC Trophy Challenge where they really were a class apart from the others in the competition.
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