Delhi: A coincidence was seen on Friday in the cricket match of Asian Games 2026, which caught everyone's attention. In Oman's playing-11, 7 players with the same surname took the field. The Group B match between Oman and Hong Kong was played at the Korogi Sports Park located in Nissin, Japan.
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Oman's team included Mohammed Al Balushi, Shuaib Al Balushi, Zubair Al Balushi, Waheed Al Balushi, Isa Al Balushi, Naved Al Balushi and Faris Al Balushi. That means, the surname of 7 players in the playing-11 was Al Balushi. However, despite such a special coincidence, Oman did not win the match. Hong Kong defeated them by 41 runs.
9 Al Balushi in 15 member team
A total of 9 players in Oman's 15-member team selected for the Asian Games have the surname Al Balushi. Wasim Al Balushi and Qais Al Balushi were not part of the playing-11 in the match against Hong Kong. The remaining seven Al Balushi players got a place in the team. In this way, so many players with the same surname taking the field in Oman's playing-11 became a very interesting sight in cricket.
Mohammad Al Balushi impressed
Mohammad Al Balushi was the most successful bowler for Oman in the match against Hong Kong. He bowled brilliantly and took 3 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.
Mohammad has performed well for Oman before also. He played a brilliant inning of 81 runs against Bahrain on June 3 in the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket qualifier. This is his biggest T20 International score so far.
Naved has also shown his strength
Naved Al Balushi has also left his mark in international cricket. On his international debut against Singapore in the qualifier match, he took 4 wickets for 22 runs.
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However, Oman's overall performance against Hong Kong was not enough to win. Batting first, Hong Kong scored 121 runs for 8 wickets. In reply, the entire Oman team was out for just 80 runs. In this way Hong Kong won the match by 41 runs.
FAQ
How many players with the same surname were there in Oman's playing-11?
A total of 7 players with the surname Al Balushi were included in Oman's playing-11. At the same time, a total of 9 players in Oman's 15-member team for the Asian Games have the surname Al Balushi.
How many wickets did Mohammad Al Balushi take against Hong Kong?
Mohammad Al Balushi bowled brilliantly and took 3 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.