T20 series huge opportunity for Oman: Mendis
Oman national cricket team’s head coach Duleep Mendis opined that the Quadrangular T20I series is a huge occasion for Oman cricket.
In an exclusive interview with hours before Oman’s opening fixture against Testplaying Ireland, Mendis spoke about the series and put the magnitude of the occasion in perspective.
“It is a very big occasion for Oman and Oman cricket, especially with a Test playing nation like Ireland and top European sides in action. Oman Daily Observer I’m sure by now the word would have gone around the world about the beautiful facility we have here in Oman. We have also received feedback that countries want to come to Oman and play cricket in Oman, train in Oman. It is a very good signal that is going out to the world,’’ Mendis revealed. The former Sri Lankan Test captain said the Oman team was all set for the big series.
“We are fully prepared for this game and the series. Ireland came early since their main target is the tour in India. They are playing the Test against Afghanistan.
It is good preparation for them to get acclimatised to the conditions here which are similar to India. But we are also prepared and ready,’’ he added.
Oman got a psychological boost ahead of the series when two development teams beat Ireland in the practice games. Mendis dwelt upon the matches but did not read too much into the result.
“Fortunately for us, the two development teams played well and beat them. But the main focus is now on the Quadrangular series and here it is very different when our senior national team is playing. Our boys are quite confident and we are looking forward to the challenge,’’ he added.
Talking about the preparation of the Oman team ahead of the Quadrangular series, Mendis stated the team was in T20 mode now. “In terms of special preparation, the thinking and planning in the T20 format is different. When it comes to bowling, fielding and batting the approach is different. The good thing is that our boys are ready to go,’’ Mendis added.
The coach also said the Oman support staff had analysed Ireland’s game in the practice games.
“We have done the video analysis and picked up a few points. We will try to put that into practice,’’ he explained.
Coach Mendis said Oman’s target would be to make a strong impression in the series.
“We want to make a very good impact and we want to do well. The main focus of course is to win but we also want to make a strong impact.”
Mendis said the Oman team will use the series as a stepping stone for a bigger challenge which lies ahead.
“We want to use this as a platform to get ready for the allimportant World Cricket League Division II tournament in Namibia where we are targetting ODI status.”
Oman are without their regular captain Zeeshan Maqsood who is out with a fractured toe and star batsman Aqib Ilyas, who is missing from action due to a surgery.
“We are without these two players but we have good replacements who can contribute for us. So, we are confident,’’ Mendis said. Mendis also stated Oman will not be taking Scotland and Netherlands lightly.
“They are definitely no pushovers and at this level, especially in the T20 format no team can be underestimated. They are well prepared and have been playing at a high level. All three sides are very good and if we do well, it will do a world of good to our confidence,’’ Mendis concluded.