Saturday 07 / September / 2024
Dharamsala: Oman might have exited the ICC World T20 tournament, but they will take home a kitty full of experience and loads of positives, which will augur well for the future of the game in the Sultanate.
The world doesn't end here and the future lies ahead with more glory to come for the country and the game.
Before the knock-out match against Test playing country began, each and every member as well as the supporters were confident enough to put it across the Tigers, but on the field they were beaten by the vast experience of Bangladesh.
In fact, Oman had started well by bottling up the Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar, but the middle overs went out of control which let century-maker Tamim go berserk and propel his team to a massive total.
Oman Cricket board member Pankaj Khimji sounded critical while saying that the boys let go the initiative.
"We had them in our grasp until the sixth over, but we did not apply our mind to perfection on field thereafter," said Pankaj.
"After restricting Bangladesh in the first six overs, we should have tightened the noose further. But unfortunately that did not happen, leaving our hopes of making the Super 10 shattered," a disappointed Pankaj added.
'Bench mark has been set'
Echoing his views, Oman coach Duleep Mendis said: "We definitely did not play well. We did not match up to them (Bangladesh) and surrendered meekly."
"However, we have shown the world what Oman is capable of. We must now work harder to improve further," the Sri Lankan added.
"A bench mark has been set and our level should only grow from here."
Indeed Oman has made history by winning the first ever match on world stage and that in itself is a great achievement.
Team manager Jamil Zaidi said it was Bangladesh's experience that overwhelmed us.
"In comparison we were nowhere near Bangladesh (level), but we could have given a better fight," said Zaidi.
"Opening the bowling with Amir Ali was a strategy that worked, and he and Bilal Khan were superb. But thereafter things got out of our hands," he said.
"The spirits were high in our dugout, but I think we did not match our opposition in experience and exposure," said the manager.
Skipper Sultan Ahmed couldn't explain the loss but agreed that Bangladesh were superior.
"We were successful initially but Tamim took away the match from us. We gave away too many in the middle overs," he said.
However, the disappointed skipper pointed out that Oman has made a distinct mark on the world stage and 'we will certainly continue with this historic journey'.
