Sunday 22 / December / 2024
Muscat: Oman head coach Duleep Mendis has placed his faith in a core group of experienced players as Oman prepares for the highly anticipated ACC T20 Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup.
The tournament kicks off on Friday at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat and features teams from eight nations, including A teams from Asia's five Test-playing nations - Pakistan A, India A, Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A.
Aqib Ilyas has been named captain of the 15-member squad, which will compete against the strongest cricketing nations in the continent, along with teams from the UAE, Hong Kong, and the host nation Oman, representing the Associate nations.
In preparation for the tournament, Oman faced Afghanistan A in a bilateral series and participated in a tri-series that included Hong Kong.
Despite a mixed performance - drawing the bilateral series and losing both tri-series matches - Mendis remains optimistic.
He emphasised the importance of tough competition for his players' development, and said, “Playing against strong teams is the way forward for my players.”
Confident in his squad’s ability, Mendis believes Oman will rise to the challenge in the upcoming tournament.
The Omani team will lean heavily on seasoned players, with the return of opener Jatinder Singh and all-rounder Sufyan Mahmood offering a boost to the squad.
The inclusion of 22-year-old all-rounder Muhammad Muzahir Raza, the youngest player in the team, signals the team’s commitment to bringing fresh talent into the fold.
Raza has already made a name for himself as a key member of Oman’s U19 squad and will look to make a significant impact at this higher level.
Oman’s batting strength lies with veterans Jatinder Singh, Kashyap Prajapati, and Khalid Kail, while the bowling attack will be spearheaded by Kaleemullah, Siddharth Bukkapatnam, and Shakeel Ahmad.
A host of versatile all-rounders, including captain Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Muzahir Raza, Rafiullah, and Sufyan Mahmood, will offer the team crucial depth and balance.
Pratik Athavale and Hammad Mirza have been named as the two wicketkeepers in the squad.
Oman faces a stiff challenge in Group B, drawn alongside defending champions Pakistan A, former champions India A, and the UAE.
Group A features Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong.
The tournament kicks off on Friday with Group A matches. Bangladesh A will take on Hong Kong in the afternoon at 1pm, followed by Sri Lanka A facing Afghanistan A at 5:30pm.
However, the spotlight will shift to Saturday’s blockbuster Group B clash between arch-rivals India A and Pakistan A at 5:30pm. Earlier in the day, Oman will open their campaign against the UAE at 1pm.
Oman squad: Aqib Ilyas (captain), Shakeel Ahmed, Pratik Athavale (wk), Siddharth Bukkapatnam, Khalid Kail, Kaleemullah, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Zeeshan Maqsood, Sufyan Mehmood, Hammad Mirza (wk), Kashyap Prajapati, Rafiullah, Muzahir Raza, Jatinder Singh.
Oman head coach Duleep Mendis
