‘Can Oman spring a surprise in Group B?’
By Rahul Jeyanthan
With the T20 World Cup starting off with Oman vs Papua New Guinea tomorrow, there is a sense of palpable excitement building up. The qualifying rounds will see the familiar faces from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh battling it out with the associate nations.
These associate teams generally do not receive the same level of attention of the test playing countries and as a result their players might not be as well known to the average viewer. So, here is a look at the 3 associate teams that will be battling it out alongside Bangladesh in Group B to reach the Super Twelves, looking at key players, strengths and weaknesses and where we could expect them to finish.
Oman-
Playing in just their second T20 World Cup, Oman is a much improved team to the one that shocked Ireland at the 2016 edition. Given the additional advantage of home conditions, where they have been formidable in the recent past it would certainly be no surprise to see them in the Super Twelves.
Oman posses a strong top order with the long time opening partnership of Jatinder Singh and Khawar Ali with Jatinder being their key batsman with Khawar expected to play more of an anchoring role alongside his more than useful legspin. They will be followed by Aqib Ilyas who has been one of their most consistent performers of late and then captain Zeeshan Maqsood who is expected to round out the top 4. However, if exposed their middle order might come under a bit of scrutiny with the team reliant on the big hitting capabilities of wicketkeeper Naseem Khushi at the death.
When it comes to bowling, Oman should be a force to be reckoned with, especially at the start of the innings with Bilal Khan being one of the most effective bowlers at the associate level with his sharp left arm swing having proved deadly on multiple occasions. He will be complemented by either one or both of Kaleemullah and Fayyaz Butt. The rest of the quota will be filled in by their plethora of all rounders including the aforementioned Ilyas, Maqsood and Khawar as well as Mohammed Nadeem, Sandeep Goud and Ayaan Khan.
Strengths- Top Order Batting, Pace Bowling (Especially in the powerplay)
Weaknesses- Middle Order, Death Bowling
Scotland-
Despite this being Scotland’s 4th T20 World Cup they have had a rough going of it so far, winning just a single match in the history of the tournament. Kyle Coetzer’s men will be aiming to change history and make it all the way to the Super Twelves with the match against Oman likely to be the crucial match for their qualification chances.
Scotland too posses a strong top order with the consistent Kyle Coetzer complemented by the explosive George Munsey, who possesses one of the highest strike rates in T20I cricket. Matthew Cross is arguably one of the best wicketkeepers in world cricket and is a much improved batsman to what he was a few years ago, Callum McLeod is one of the top batters at associate level and Richie Berrington has a T20I century to his name (albeit in 2012). In comparison the lower middle order might not be as well known but players such as Craig Wallace, Michael Leask and Dylan Budge have proven to be explosive but inconsistent which may be perceived as a weakness.
In bowling, Scotland are not short of options and can boast a well rounded attack with multiple options to suit the conditions with a pace attack spearheaded by Safyaan Sharif and likely two out of Josh Davey, Brad Wheal and Alisdair Evans who all have county cricket experience. Richie Berrington will also offer some medium pace. The spin attack will be led by long time first choice Mark Watt with his left arm spin and complemented by the offies of Michael Leask and if conditions dictate, leg spin bowling all rounder Chris Greaves or even the slow left arm of Hamza Tahir might get a look in.
Strengths- Strong Top Order, No obvious weakness in bowling
Weaknesses- Inconsistent lower middle order, Pace Bowling attack is exclusively right arm fast medium
Papua New Guinea-
Even though Papua New Guinea might be the team that has the lowest expectations given their recent poor form in both ODIs and T20Is we would do well to remember that they earned their place at this tournament, placing 2nd in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers, ahead of the likes of Ireland, Scotland and Oman. Even though I do not expect them to progress to the second round, I would not be surprised if they ruin the chances of another team.
Batting wise, Papua New Guinea are heavily reliant on their top order, probably more than any other nation in the tournament. Explosive opening batsman Tony Ura and captain Assad Vala will be the lynchpins with Charles Amini and Lega Siaka also being proven performers at the associate level. Their middle order will be bolstered by Sese Bau and they will be heavily reliant on the big hitting capabilities of Norman Vanua to give them a boost at the death.
Like many associate nations Papua New Guinea depend a lot on their all rounders for bowling with the likes of Ura, Amini, Siaka, Bau, Vanua and Gaudi Toka all capable bowlers; especially Vanua with his pace and Amini and Vala with leg and off spin respectively. Papua New Guinea do seem to possess a decent pace bowling attack with Nosaina Pokana with his left arm pace and Damien Ravu being the two bowlers alongside Chad Soper. Also keep an eye out for their spectacular fielding reputed to be the best in the associate game.
Strengths- Top Order, Fielding
Weaknesses- Middle Order Batting, Spin Bowling
(Group A preview to be featured tomorrow)
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