🏏ICC T20I WC 2024: Match 20: Oman vs Scotland @ 10:30 PM IST🏏

🏏ICC T20I Men's WC 2024: Match 20: Oman vs Scotland at Antigua @ 10:30 PM IST🏏

Scotland will take on Oman in a match on Sunday that will prove pivotal for not only the Scots but also England and Australia depending on the results of their encounter on Saturday.

The Scottish start as favourites against an Oman side which have yet to register a point in this tournament. Meanwhile, after a washout against England and a win against Namibia, a victory against Oman will put Scotland on 5 points which might prove to be advantageous for them in the long run

As far as the scenario for the Super 8s qualifications are concerned, only top two teams make it to the next round. Australia and Namibia have two points each sitting behind Scotland while England are second from the bottom with one point from one match.

OMA vs SCO: Team Previews

Oman 

One must credit Oman for the show they have put up in the two games they have played so far against Namibia and Australia, but unfortunately, they have failed to turn the game in their favour and now sit on the brink of elimination. In the first match, Oman failed with the bat, but a great bowling effort saw the match go into super-over where Namibia emerged victorious. 

Even against Australia, Oman bowlers put on a great show and restricted the Men in Yellow to just 164 runs. It reflects that Scotland must be wary of Oman bowlers as they can take the game away for their side. 

For the upcoming match, eyes will be on Ayan Khan and skipper Aqib Llyas to make an impact with the bat. Having said that since Oman are coming off two defeats and are likely to make changes to their playing XI.

Scotland

In the first match against England, they put on a solid show with the bat but rain spoiled their chances of a victory. Nonetheless, Scotland beat Namibia comfortably in their second match. Richie Berrington, Michael Jones, and George Munseyare the star players with the bat which Oman players should be wary off. Scotland are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI and a win would take them closer to qualifying for Super 8

OMA vs SCO: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Pitch Report

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium pitch favors batters, provides support to spin bowlers as the game progresses, and has a well-maintained fast outfield. It will host its first match of the main event, and the team winning the toss is likely to field first. Contrary to how the other games have gone, fans can expect a high scoring game. 

OMA vs SCO: Probable XI

Oman: Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale (WK), Aqib Ilyas (C), Zeeshan Maqsood, Khalid Kail, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mehran Khan, Shakeel Ahmed, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan

Scotland: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Matt Cross (WK), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal, Chris Sole, Brad Currie

OMA vs SCO: Winner Prediction

Scotland are likely to have an edge over Oman as they showed a fearless approach against England. Further, Oman batters are struggling in this tournament. Thus, Scotland are likely to win and keep a foot in the super 8 round. 

Form guide

Scotland WLWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Oman LLLWW

In the spotlight

One of the very versatile George Munsey's strengths is that he can take down spin, like he showed against England. He can play the reverse-sweeps and switch-hits as comfortably as he can hit through the line on good decks. Oman's attack is spin-heavy, and Munsey's approach up top could set the tempo as they chase victory to push for the Super Eight stage.

A clean striker in club cricket, Kashyap Prajapati made heads turn three years ago when he struck a 138-ball 146 against a Mumbai squad in India. That knock paved the way for his international debut. Since then, he's largely been hit and miss as his modest T20 record suggests. With scores of 7 and 0 in his first two games, he needs a big score to justify the faith the team management has shown in him.

Stats that matter

• Scotland and Oman have faced off four times in T20Is, including once at a T20 World Cup, in 2021. Scotland have won all four games chasing
• Munsey needs 70 more runs to become the second Scotland player with 2000 T20I runs - his captain Berrington was the first
• Zeeshan Maqsood needs two more wickets to become the second Oman player with 50 T20I wickets after Bilal Khan

PITCH REPORT

This is the first game of the tournament in Antigua. There is a chance of rain during the course of the game, and this will prompt the captain winning the toss to bowl first. The wicket will have early moisture, and this could swing and pace bowling. Chasing will be much better on this pitch if the sun beats down, with a target of around 135-145 likely to be chased.

Scotland to win the match

Scenario 1

Oman win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Powerplay score: 45-55

Scotland: 145-155

Scotland win the match.

Scenario 2

Scotland win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Powerplay score: 35-45

Oman: 135-145

Scotland win the match.

Thanks for the tag Parm.

May the best team win.

Cheers..