Oman record-breaker Jatinder Singh makes up for lost time as his affinity with Dubai grows

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.”

Jatinder Singh of Oman plays a shot against Papua New Guinea. Pawan Singh / The National

It was Jatinder’s third century in ODI cricket, following his efforts against Nepal last year and the UAE in