MUSCAT: Oman’s women cricketers travel to Hangzhou, China, with a clear target — test themselves against stronger opposition and push up the international rankings at the Belt & Road Women’s T20I tournament.
The tournament runs from August 20 to 24, with Oman, captained by Fiza, facing hosts China and higher-ranked Indonesia in a double round-robin format. The top two teams will advance to the final.
Head coach Damith Warusavithana said the tournament offers Oman a valuable opportunity to measure its progress against quality opposition.
“This is an important tournament for Oman women. We know the challenge ahead, particularly with Indonesia being a higher-ranked team, but that is exactly the kind of challenge we want. These opportunities can help us move up the world rankings and measure ourselves against stronger opposition.”
YOUNGSTERS EARN SENIOR CALL-UPS
Oman Cricket’s development programme will also come under the spotlight, with Under-19 performers Pia Sharma and Aneeka Ashik earning their first senior international call-ups.
Warusavithana said the youngsters earned their places through their performances and would be given the opportunity to take greater responsibility.
The coach also acknowledged the absence of experienced players Priyanka Mendonca and Jayadhanya Gunasekar, noting it creates an opportunity for others in the squad to step up.
“We want the players to believe they belong at this level, play without fear and take every opportunity to move women’s cricket forward,” he said.
Rather than focusing solely on results, Warusavithana said Oman’s priority would be to build consistency, mental strength and the ability to compete at a higher level.
All matches will be played at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou.
Oman squad: Fiza (captain), Sameera Khan, Nitya Joshi, Amanda Dcosta, Trupti Pawde, Cynthia Saldanha, Afida Aftab, Hina Javed, Sushanthka Ashok, Lujaina, Pia Sharma, Aneeka Ashik, Kuchi Cherish Egodagamage and Alifiya Asif Sayed.
Support staff: Damith Warusavithana (head coach), Nadeera Muneer (physiotherapist).
Oman’s fixtures (all Oman time): August 20: China vs Oman (9 am); August 21: Oman vs Indonesia (5:30 pm); August 22: China vs Oman (8:30 am); August 23: Oman vs Indonesia (5:30 pm); August 24: Final.
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