Oman and Scotland will meet again for the one last time on 2 October, in sixth and the final match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series at the Al Amerat in Oman. The two sides last met on 28 September, where Scotland closed out an 18-run win.
Richie Berrington was adjudged Player of the Match in that contest. Berrington’s 87-ball 97, laced with five sixes and as many fours, had steered Scotland to 273/6 after they opted to bat. Kyle Coetzer (60) and Dylan Budge (32* in 25 balls) also chipped in with handy contributions to reach there.
Coming to the chase, Jatinder Singh (64) and Sandeep Goud (54*) put on valiant efforts, but those were still not enough as Oman finished on 255/9.
Oman played against Papua New Guinea less than 24 hours ago. They staged an improved show there, especially with ball. After asking PNG to bat, Khawar Ali spun a web around the batters to bowl out them for 150 in 43.2 overs. Aqib Ilyas, who took a wicket earlier, scored a 77-ball 56 to keep the chase under control before Zeeshan Maqsood guided Oman reach the target with 14.1 overs to spare. Though, they lost seven wickets to see off the chase.
Scotland will be heavily reliant on Berrington and Kyle Coetzer. Coetzer made 81 off 103 balls in Scotland’s last fixture against PNG, where they were chasing 227. For Oman, their all-rounders Zeeshan, Ilyas, Nadeem, Khawar, and Ayaan Khan will be key.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Scotland. Appoint Berrington and Zeeshan captain and vice-captain.
- Include three of the five Oman all-rounders Zeeshan, Ilyas, Khawar,
- Do not ignore Michael Leask. He contributed with both bat and ball last time against PNG.
Likely XIs
Oman: Zeeshan Maqsood (c), Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Mohammad Nadeem, Khawar Ali, Ayan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Naseem Khushi (wk), Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan.
Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington, George Munsey, Dylan Budge, Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Gavin Main, Alasdair Evans, Hamza Tahir.
Prediction
Scotland should win this contest.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Zeeshan Maqsood (VC), Kyle Coetzer, Matthew Cross, Richie Berrington, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Khawar Ali, Michael Leask, Bilal Khan Mark Watt, Gavin Main.