Oman claimed a shock win over Ireland at the ICC World Twenty20 ©Getty Images

Oman marked their first-ever appearance at the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 in style as they claimed a shock two-wicket victory over Ireland at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Oman, who qualified for the tournament by winning the 2015 Asian Council Cup before they successfully came through a qualifying competition, were set 155 to win and began brightly as openers Zeeshan Maqsood and Khawar Ali put on a first-wicket stand of 69.

After Ali chopped on to his own stumps from a Kevin O’Brien delivery, Oman collapsed from 69-1 to 90-5.

They still played with aggression and intent, however, as they went in search of what was a tricky total on a slow surface as Aamer Ali struck three consecutive fours in his score of 32 from 17 balls.

Oman nevertheless still required a testing 14 off the final over only to be gifted the runs they needed for victory as Max Sorensen bowled two no-balls, both of which ended up going for four, as the outsiders sprung an early surprise in Group A.

Ireland, appearing at their sixth World Twenty20 competition, had made 154-5 in their innings, with Gary Wilson the top scorer on 38.

Their stay at the crease was particularly notable for a stunning one-handed catch from Maqsood off a fiercely-hit Paul Stirling drive, which handed Oman the crucial first wicket.

Munis Ansari was the top performer with the ball for Oman as he took 3-37 to help restrict Ireland to what proved to be an achievable target.

Tamim Iqbal hit an unbeaten 83 as Bangladesh beat The Netherlands by eight runs
Tamim Iqbal hit an unbeaten 83 as Bangladesh beat The Netherlands by eight runs ©Getty Images

The result means Ireland, who beat a West Indies side containing huge hitter Chris Gayle at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, face an uphill battle if they are to secure one of the two available places in the main draw.

Only the top team from each of the two preliminary groups will progress.

In the other match to take place in Dharamsala today, Tamim Iqbal’s brilliant unbeaten 83, including three sixes, helped Bangladesh record a tight eight-run triumph over The Netherlands.

Iqbal’s performance could not be replicated among the Bangladeshi side, however, as they posted 153-7 in spite of his excellent spell with the bat.

Dutch batsmen Stephan Myburgh and captain Peter Borren both looked in good form before they each fell for 29 as The Netherlands simply ran out of deliveries, falling agonisingly close of their victory target as they ended up on 145-7.

Action is due to continue tomorrow as Scotland face Zimbabwe and Afghanistan go up against Hong Kong, with both matches due to take place in Nagpur.