Oman's own cricket heroes - Who said Omani nationals cannot play cricket at the international level? Shortly after 4pm yesterday, a bus decorated in national colours arrived at the Hattat House in this city. On board were the all-Omani cricket players, who won the inaugural Twenty20 Gulf Cup in Dubai just a day before.

This is for the first time an Omani team comprising of local players (all nationals) has won a major tournament outside the country.

The romance of their story will become diluted and clichéd in a few months time, but now, this is a fitting time to be reminded of the journey of these energetic youngsters, who have sprung quite literally from nowhere.

Many might think that cricket has no place for Oman — a country more familiar with football.

Unlike most of the Omani children, who take up football at a tender age, Sharif Pindook, a gifted and intelligent fast bowler was watching cricket match on television when Oman was celebrating their first Gulf Cup football victory in January.

“I fell in love with this game and I love watching Sachin Tendulkar on television,” said Sharif, who was the match winner for Oman in the final against host UAE.

He never imagined there was a world outside Muscat because the city was his world.

Cricket was his dream and now acts as a passport to a better life.

“I give my 100 per cent when I play for my country. I never thought I would get this kind of exposure.

“I am glad that I could do something special for my country. I am very proud of myself; my family and friends are proud of me,” Sharif said.

In winning the Gulf Cup, this team of nationals have proved to themselves that they can achieve something significant. Moreover, their prominence now on the international stage might inspire their countrymen into playing cricket.

“Success doesn’t come always and it is not easy to be successful. We had a short span of time for training before the Gulf Cup. It was a difficult atmosphere but we planned perfectly to stay alive until the climax,” said Mohammed Aslam, captain of the side.

There are no turf pitches in Oman and these players were born to play in cement pitches.

“We played on a turf in Dubai’s Dubal cricket stadium and we are playing on such a pitch for the first time. With just two weeks of training we did a marvellous job for our country,” said Khalid Moosa, vice-captain of the team.

Their wins in this tournament have been notable for their comprehensiveness.

UAE, the favourites underestimated them woefully in the final — albeit on a bowling track — Oman piled up a mammoth total of 207 runs with man-in-form Mohsin Gul Baig hammering five fours and four sixes to top score with 70 runs for his team and in reply bowled the host for 152 runs, with Sharif picking up four wickets.

Kuwait, a country which boasts of four cricket stadiums, too, was simply outplayed on their road to the final.

“You don’t get to win such tournaments by sheer luck. Hard work matters and if you think T20 is all about hitting sixes and fours then you are mistaken. We have won the last two matches by running between the wickets,” said an energetic Nadil Al Balushi.

Their attitude, according to Khalid was to win and not settle for second place.

“When we took this bus to Dubai we made up our mind that we are going to come back with the trophy.”

Everything smells of roses tonight and the future of these players looks very bright. “These players have great talent. Even in our national side we have seven to eight Omani players.

“In UAE we have seen a side that is so balanced and so perfect and I think in a couple of years cricket we will compete against football in this country,” said Mohammed Ali, the coach of the team.

So an all-Omani side would one day reach the World Cup and play alongside against countries such as India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa is predictable.

“Insha Allah. If they can come from nowhere to clinching Gulf Cup, you wouldn’t bet against it.” added Mohammed.