When Oman failed to progress beyond the first round of the T20 World Cup last year, it deprived Jatinder Singh a return to play on the biggest stage of all at a ground he thrives at more than any other.
The Muscat-raised opener has a rare affinity with the Dubai International Stadium. Back in 2019, he played the decisive innings there that clinched Oman’s place at that T20 World Cup, with a qualifier win over Hong Kong.
Oman were deprived the chance of returning to the ground for the main event, but now they are back there as part of the qualifying campaign for the next 50-over World Cup, and Jatinder is singing again.
After back-to-back half-centuries against Namibia and Scotland at the ground, on Tuesday night he made the highest one-day international score by an Oman batsman there.
His 118 not out against Papua New Guinea gave his side a seven-wicket win, and two more points to extend their lead at the top of the Cricket World Cup League 2 table, ahead of UAE.
“Those things are all history and we can’t do anything about it,” Jatinder said of missing out on the Super 12 phase of the T20 World Cup in Dubai.
“We are only thinking positive and we want to move forward. Now we have a 50-over World Cup, we are trying to qualify for it, and right now the table looks good.
“Everybody in the dressing room has been pointing out that whenever I play at this ground I have a good scoring rate.
“I think it is a blessing. I am in a good zone because I am seeing the ball quite nicely. I just try to be in the present and watch the ball.”
It was Jatinder’s third century in ODI cricket, following his efforts against Nepal last year and the UAE in February. It also meant he broke Aqib Ilyas’ record for the highest score by an Oman batsman in ODIs.
Ilyas remains the leading run scorer in the Cricket World Cup League 2, despite his long-term absence through injury, and Jatinder says he cannot wait for the return of a player he has grown up with.
“I really miss him a lot,” he said of Ilyas. “He underwent surgery, and is recovering, but it will take six or seven months before he can come back onto the field.
“When you are playing, you don’t have these sorts of targets [record high scores] in your mind.
“Whatever opportunity comes, you just have to try and grab it with both hands. It feels really great when you play these kind of knocks for your country and when you play in a winning side, it gives you a lot of self confidence.”
Jatinder’s ton against PNG was notable for the fact he opted against performing his distinctive “thigh-five” celebration when he reached 50 – only to save it for when he got to three figure instead.
“I was so focused, it just slipped out of my mind,” he said. “From ball one, wherever I was trying to hit, I was getting it all right. I thought, fine, I am not going to think too far ahead. Just watch the ball carefully and pace my innings accordingly.
“One advantage I had was getting the singles all right, so I didn’t have to bother myself much worrying about big boundaries. I wanted to take it deep and see what the equation was.”
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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The specs: 2018 Mazda CX-5
Price, base / as tested: Dh89,000 / Dh130,000
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 188hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 251Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1L / 100km
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
India Test squad
Kohli (c), Dhawan, Rahul, Vijay, Pujara, Rahane (vc), Karun, Karthik (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep, Pandya, Ishant, Shami, Umesh, Bumrah, Thakur
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
