Oman to open qualifying campaign against Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2016
Sports Reporter MUSCAT: Oman cricket team will be launching their Asia Cup qualifying campaign with a match against Hong Kong in Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka on February19.
According to information posted on International Cricket Council (ICC) website, Oman will play their second match against Afghanistan on February 21.
Duleep Mendis-coached Oman team will then play arch-rivals UAE on February 22.
The four teams will be vying for the lone qualifying berth in the Asia Cup, which runs till March 6.
The 13th edition of Asia Cup is the fifth tournament to be organised in Bangladesh and for the first time it will be played in T20 format.
The qualifying team will join hosts Bangladesh, defending champions Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in the main tournament, all matches of which will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
The Asia Cup in the new format is also expected to serve as a preparatory platform for the teams participating in the ICC World T20 in March in India. Qualifying round: February 19: Afghanistan v UAE, Fatullah; Hong Kong v Oman, Fatullah. February 20: Afghanistan v Oman, Fatullah. February 21: Hong Kong v UAE, Fatullah. February 22: Afghanistan v Hong Kong, Fatullah; United Arab Emir- ates v Oman, Fatullah. Main Draw: February 24: India v Bangladesh, Mirpur. February 25: Sri Lanka v Qualifier, Mirpur. February 26: Bangladesh v Qualifier, Mirpur. February 27: India v Pakistan, Mirpur. February 28: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Mirpur. February 29: Pakistan v Qualifier, Mirpur. March 1: India v Sri Lanka, Mirpur. March 2: Bangladesh v Pakistan, Mirpur. March 3: India v Qualifier, Mirpur. March 4: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Mirpur. March 6: Final, Mirpur.