US and Oman achieve One Day International status for the first time

He has played 27 One Day Internationals, or ODIs, for the West Indies. He hit a record 12 sixes in an innings. But over time, Xavier Marshall settled in the US. And on the back of his exploits with the bat, his adopted country has now achieved ODI status after nearly four decades as a member of the International Cricket Council. On the same day, Oman is also revelling in their new status as an ODI nation.

A country known predominantly for the sport of baseball, the US bears a longstanding affiliation with cricket. The country played against Canada in 1844 which was the first official match in international cricket. The US became a member of the ICC in 1965. They regularly participate in ICC tournaments. The 2004 Champions Trophy gave them a taste of international cricket. But cricket in the country has suffered for a while due to troubles with the board and administration. The troubles have eased in recent times and culminated in success on the field.

On Wednesday, the US beat Hong Kong on the back of a century by Xavier Marshall. Pacer Ali Khan, who played in the Bangladesh Premier League, also picked up three wickets in the 84-run win at the United Cricket Club Ground in Windhoek.

In the day's other match, Oman clinched their ODI status with a 4-wicket victory against Namibia. They defeated the same opponents in Ireland four years ago to earn their Twenty20 International, or T20I status. Oman have played 20 T20Is so far. They are yet to play an ODI.