Ross Taylor in action for Samoa against against Oman in the Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier. Photo: @ ICC
Samoa's cricket dream of playing in a World Cup took a negative turn on Thursday morning after a five-wicket defeat to Oman at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier.
The team lost to the hosts in their first Group C clash, scoring 92 runs after losing nine wickets.
Oman replied with 96 for 5, with 18 balls remaining after 17 overs.
Former Black Cap Ross Taylor returned to international cricket in the game but he could not help Samoa to victory.
He was the equal top-scorer at the Al Amerat, claiming 22 runs each along with teammate Fereti Sululoto.
Taylor batted at number five, as Samoa were 20 for 3 in the seventh over.
He hit one four before he was caught with a leg between the wicket (lbw) by Hassnain Shah.
It was a special occasion for Taylor to represent the country of his late mother's birth, as he attempted to take Samoa to next year's Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
He played more matches for New Zealand than any other player, with 112 Tests, 236 One-Day Internationals and 102 T20s.
"I always wanted to give back [to Samoa] in some capacity, but didn't know that I'd be giving back in a playing capacity," Taylor told RNZ last month.
"I always thought it would be coaching and coaching young kids and donating gear where I could. But being able to get into the playing side of it it's something that I'm looking forward to."
Samoa players and officials ahead of the start of their Men's T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier against Oman on Thursday morning. Photo: @ ICC
Samoa will meet Papua New Guinea in an all-Pacific clash on Friday morning in the second round of matches.
Oman lead Group c after the win.
In Group A, United Arab Emirates lead after their win over Qatar, while Nepal lead Group C following their win over Kuwait.
