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The 2nd warm-up match of the T20 World Cup 2024 will feature a clash between Oman and Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. This encounter is particularly significant as it marks the third appearance for Oman in the T20 World Cup, following their participations in 2016 and 2021. Meanwhile, PNG will be making their second appearance, having debuted in the 2021 edition.
Both teams recently faced each other in a T20I series, which Oman won, setting the stage for an intriguing warm-up match.
Match Details
- Fixture: Oman vs Papua New Guinea
- Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
Team Captains
- Oman: Aqib Ilyas
- Papua New Guinea: Assad Vala
Historical Context This match will be a test of skills and strategy as both teams prepare for the main tournament. Oman has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning their latest T20I series against PNG.
Pitch Report: Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
The pitch at Brian Lara Stadium is known for its balanced nature. Batters are likely to find assistance in the initial overs, but as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, favoring spin bowlers. The average innings score here is around 175. Notably, in 2023, England scored 267 runs in 20 overs against the West Indies at this venue, showcasing the pitch’s potential for high scores.
Team Previews
Oman Team News & Playing 11
Oman had a strong performance in the Men’s T20I Premier Cup 2024, and they are expected to field the same combination for the T20 World Cup. The squad is at full strength with no reported injuries.
Key Batters
- Zeeshan Maqsood: With 1295 runs in 64 T20Is at a strike rate of 121.94, Maqsood is a reliable run-scorer.
- Kashyap Prajapati: He has scored 812 runs at an average of 23.2 in T20Is.
Key Bowlers
- Bilal Khan: A seasoned left-arm pacer, Bilal has taken 106 wickets in 74 T20Is at an average of 17.07.
- Fayyaz Butt: Another key pacer, Fayyaz has 45 wickets in 43 T20Is with a strike rate of 18.47.
Recent Form Oman won the T20 World Cup 2024 Asia Qualifier and reached the final of the Men’s T20I Premier Cup in April 2024. Their recent form includes a victorious series against PNG.
Predicted Playing 11 Kashyap Prajapati, Naseem Khushi, Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Pratik Athavale (wk), Ayaan Khan, Khalid Kail, Rafiullah, Shakeel Ahmed, Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan.
Papua New Guinea Team News & Playing 11
PNG is likely to retain the same combination from their recent tours to Hong Kong and Malaysia, with no injuries reported.
Key Batters
- Assad Vala: The captain has scored 1207 runs in 53 T20Is at a strike rate of 120.34.
- Norman Vanua: He has 620 runs at a strike rate of 135.08 and has also taken 51 wickets in 49 T20Is.
Key Bowlers
- Charles Amini: A versatile player with 43 wickets in 51 T20Is and 886 runs.
- Kabua Morea: A left-arm pacer with 32 wickets in 19 T20Is at an average of 14.91.
Recent Form PNG performed well in their recent tours, winning the Hong Kong T20I series in March 2024 by defeating Nepal in the final.
Predicted Playing 11 Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Hiri Hiri, Hila Vare, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Norman Vanua, Chad Soper, John Kariko, Jack Gardner.
Match Prediction
Oman and PNG are both talented teams, but Oman appears to have the upper hand based on their recent form and head-to-head record. Oman’s balanced squad and their recent series win against PNG make them favorites for this match.
Prediction: Oman to beat Papua New Guinea.
