Rampant Oman face desperate Bangladesh
Hosts Oman will look to continue their winning form against Group B favourites Bangladesh, who are in desperate need for a win to keep alive their chances in the T20 World Cup 2021.
Bangladesh are still reeling from the shock defeat against Scotland on Sunday, and another loss will put them out of the tournament.
Oman are sitting pretty with a 10-wicket win against PNG in the opening match. The victory in 13.4 overs enabled the hosts to a good run-rate of 3.135 along with the two full points from the first match of Group B.
Both Oman openers are in form after their aggressive knocks against debutants PNG.
It is the opposite story in the
Bangladesh camp. The Tigers, who came to the opener on the back of a defeat against Ireland in the practice match, could not pace their chase well against a tricky total of 140 set up by Scotland.
OMAN UPBEAT
Speaking ahead of the sold-out match, Oman’s Khawar Ali said the team is really focused on their job on Tuesday night.
“We know the strength of Bangladesh. We will focus on playing to our strengths as we are quite familiar with the conditions here,” the trusted Oman allrounder said. Khawar said Oman are confident of making it to the Super 12.
“Our team is confident about qualifying to the Super 12. We will play the Bangladesh match with a positive attitude aiming to seal our place in the next round.”
The leg-spinner added that it will be dream come true if Oman make the Super 12. On a query on match tactics, Khawar said Oman will utilise the weakness of Bangladesh in chasing totals.
“We enjoyed great support in the first match and the atmosphere was electric. We are under no pressure and playing in front of home crowd lifts our performance.”
“Bangladesh will be under pressure to win the game. We are capable of utilising their weak points and especially their troubles while chasing totals,” Khawar added.
BRAVE FACE
On the other hand, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo put in a brave face after the defeat against
Scotland. Domingo defended his players saying the mistakes are part of the game.
“I have full belief in my players. In T20 format, small mistakes cost you dear and we faced such a situation on Sunday.”
The South African coach said the team line-up may be slightly changed for the Oman match.
“We might make one change in the line-up. And the batting order also may be tweaked a little bit. The final decision will be made on Tuesday after assessing the conditions.”
We know the strength of Bangladesh. We will focus on playing to our strengths as we are quite familiar with the conditions here
NAIM LIKELY
Young opener Mohammed Naim is likely to be included the playing XI with all-rounder Afif Hossain making the way.
Captain Mohammed Mahmadullah is fit to roll in his arms after a slight hand trouble, the coach said.
Responding to a query, Domingo said Bangladesh will try not to repeat their mistakes during the Scotland match.
“We will rectify our mistakes whether it was wrong shot selection or wrong planning in the middle. I am confident that our experienced side will recover from this situation to beat Oman on Tuesday,” the coach concluded.
KHAWAR ALI Oman all-rounder