Carrying high hopes for a second-round qualification in the T20 World Cup, Oman are facing a real test against Sri Lanka in a friendly match on Thursday, days before the global showdown.
At Al Amerat Grounds, it will be a perfect test event for Oman Cricket as well as it is getting ready for the big occasion of hosting a World Cup for the first time in the Sultanate.
Sri Lanka, former T20 World Cup champions, are set to play two warm-up matches against Oman on October 7 and 9.
“Oman players are ready to showcase their talent and as hosts we are fully prepared for the smooth conduct of the global tournament. Facing Sri Lanka will be a proper curtain-raiser for the World Cup, Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji told Oman Observer.
“The match against Asian giants Sri Lanka will give us a latest take on our cricketing ability after some top-class performances recently,” he said.
Oman claimed the T20 tour series against 41-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai and topped the World Cricket League 2 tri-series involving USA and Nepal. After the WCL 2 series against Scotland and PNG, the Sultanate are sitting strong on top of the table with 27 points from 18 games followed by Scotland at 16 from 12.
Bangladesh, who are in the same group of Oman in the World Cup first round, will also play a friendly against Oman A team on October 8.
England, ODI World Cup defending champions, are also in town for a preparatory camp. They will only hold practice sessions at the Al Amerat Stadium between October 10 and 15.
The recent cyclone ‘Shaheen’ that caused wide-spread damages across the country spared the cricket spectacle venue from major damages.
“Apart from some dislocations of some sheet structures, the temporary arrangements at the Al Amerat Grounds was not affected at all,” the OC chairman said.
“Fortunately other temporary stands were well built and held ground during the heavy rains and winds due to the cyclone. One approach road to the ground was washed out with water and hope the authorities will soon clear the paths to the Al Amerat Grounds,” Pankaj said.
OMANI TOUCH TO OPENING
The Oman Cricket is also planning to add an Omani touch to the opening of the cricket showpiece in Al Amerat on October 17.
“We are planning a brief show to focus on Omani Women’s Day, which falls on the same day of first match (October 17). The Royal Cavalry’s all-women mounted band will perform to Omani classical, western and Bollywood numbers and conclude with ICC T20 World Cup anthem,” the Asian Cricket Council vice-president said.
Oman take on PNG in the opening match at 2.30 pm.
“We plan to showcase the traditional equestrian sport of Oman also by arranging some 20 caparisoned horses will line-up at the boundary line with some 16 women riders holding the national flags of all the participating teams.”
“A woman rider will bring the ICC T20 World Cup trophy on to the pitch to mark the opening of the event.”
The Oman Cricket had hosted a tour of ODI World Cup trophy in August 2018 in a similar way.
SPECTATORS ALLOWED
There will be some 2,500-3,000 spectators allowed during the World Cup following the regulations of Ministry of Health.
“Seats will be left vacant in between to ensure there is no close mingling of the fans. Strict Covid-19 protocols will be followed at the venue as speculated by the Ministry of Health,” Pankaj said.
For the practice matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, fans are allowed in the same pattern.
Tickets, priced at RO 2, are being sold by Oman’s delivery app TM Done online.
CRICKET FRATERNITY THRILLED
The cricketing fraternity is also thrilled to welcome the spectacle in Oman.
Pranav Mehta, co-owner of Premier Division’s Team ARTT, said cricket has a very bright future in the country.
“As a co-owner of a Premier Division team of the Oman Cricket League, I can assure that the Oman Cricket has a strong league structure. The facilities will further improve to international standards with the hosting of the World Cup. We congratulate and appreciate the Oman Cricket for their hard work for making this possible.”
Premier Division ‘Yalla Shabab’ manager Vinu Mathew said this is exciting period for the game in Oman.
“The World Cup will stamp Oman’s place in the global cricket map. We hope the national team makes to the next round to join the big shots of the game to make a permanent presence among the top-ranking teams,” Vinu said.
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