Tuesday 16 / April / 2024
Dharamsala: Even before the euphoria of the history-making debut in the ICC World Twenty20 tournamennt could die down, Oman's coach Duleep Mendis has vowed to maintaing the momentum and continue their giant-killing run.
On Friday they are up against Netherlands, who had lost to Group A favourites Bangladesh after putting up a tough fight. Bangladesh will take on Ireland in the second match of the day.
After a thrilling night encounter against Ireland, Duleep said: "There will be no particular gameplan and we will continue play our own way with aggressive tones enmbossed in our approach."
If Oman gets another win here, then by all probabilities the clash against Bangladesh will be more crucial for progress in the tournamet.
Duleep Mendis spoke elaborately on Oman's cricket and the way semi-professionals (the coach doesn't want to label them as amateurs) showed the world what Oman is capable of.
"The situation in Oman is something similar to what it was in Sri Lanka some years ago. We used to work and take time-off to play cricket. That's the way we grew and I don't see any difference back in Oman too," he said.
When questioned of the coming together of different nationalities, Mendis said: "We (Indians, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis) have the same way of living and Oman is unique in its blend and that's the secret of our success so far.
"Other factor is the passion for the game in every individual be it the Oman Cricket Board officials, the players and the individuals. They breathe cricket, all of them, and it's easy to make a passionate team out of them," he explained.
"Now that we have infrastructure coming up, you will see a lot of cricket from Oman in future," he said.
On man of the match Amir Ali, Mendis said: "He is one of our utility player who delivers according to situation and on Wednesday he was our hero."
With reference to composition of team for Netherlands match, Mendis said: "We will decide before the match and will most probably continue with the same eleven."
Meanwhile, Netherlands coach was wary of Oman's capabilities especially after seeing them beating Ireland. "They did well, but we will have our game plan to counter them," he said.
Bangladesh vs Ireland
Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe was candid in saying that his team requires to improve further.
"We are happy to have won the first match and we are happy that Ireland's confidence has been shaken by Oman," said the Sri Lankan on Thursday.
"We would like to take another win to take a step closer to the Super 10 and I am confident of the the team's capabilities," he said.
"Yes we do have worries as it is night game and the dew factor will be crucial. The toss could prove vital," he said.
"We must ensure that nothing unexpected happens. In T20 one bad over can snatch the game out of our hands and while batting one good over can enhance our chances," said the Bangladesh coach.
Ireland's Gary Williamson, who attempted to catch a six-bound ball against Oman and restricted bastman Amir Ali to only one run, said: "We would do all that can be done to stay alive in the tournament."
"Group A is indeed tough, but frankly we didn't expect to lose against Oman," he added.
"Obviously we failed at different levels against Oman and I hope those factors don't get repeated against Bangladesh, who indeed are a very competent team," said Wilson.
