After a six-run defeat against Scotland, Bangladesh are no longer favourites to qualify for the Super 12. They will be challenged by a red-hot Oman on 19 October, in Match 6 of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
Oman’s net run rate is the highest among four teams in Group B, which also includes Papua New Guinea, Scotland and Bangladesh. Led by Zeeshan Maqsood, they ticked all the boxes in their last encounter against PNG, where they registered a 10-wicket triumph.
Bilal Khan and Kaleemullah, arguably the most fearsome new-ball pairs among Associate Nations, proved their worth in that contest. Maqsood took four wickets as well, of which three came in the same over. He finished with 4-20, the best figures by a captain in the T20 World Cup history, as they restricted PNG to 129/9.
Oman’s batting unit was not really tested, courtesy a 131-run opening-wicket stand between Jatinder Singh and Aqib Ilyas. While Ilyas remained not out on 50 off 43 balls, with five fours and a six, Jatinder’s 42-ball 73 not out is now the highest individual score by an Oman player in T20Is. They reached the target in 13.4 overs.
Before the tournament began, Bangladesh were favourites on paper to top the Group. They are now on the verge of a shocking exit, and must make adjustments to stage a comeback. First and foremost, they will recall Mohammad Naim at the top, to open the innings with Liton Das. For that, Soumya Sarkar may have to warm the bench.
The Bangladeshi bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan, did well against the Scottish batters. During that match, Shakib became the leading wicket-taker in T20Is, surpassing Lasith Malinga’s tally of 107. Tim Southee ranks third in this chart, with 99 scalps, followed by Shahid Afridi (98) and Rashid Khan (95).
Still, Bangladesh are expected to make one change among bowlers. Nasum Ahmed is likely to make the cut in place of either Taskin Ahmed or Mohammad Saifuddin. They will come with all guns blazing to turn the table in their favour.
Likely XIs
Oman: Zeeshan Maqsood (c), Naseem Khushi (wk), Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Kashyap Prajapati, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan.
Bangladesh: Mahmudullah (c), Nurul Hasan (wk), Liton Das, Mohammad Naim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Shakib is the popular captain choice in this fixture. Mustafizur can be a safe vice-captain for his ability to take wickets in death overs.
- Jatinder, Liton, Mushfiqur, Ilyas are the must-have picks in your fantasy XI.
- Do not ignore Mahedi Hasan. He returned 3-19 against Scotland, and looked threatening throughout his spell.
Prediction
A tight contest. Oman have the edge, and should stun Bangladesh.
Blitspools Fantasy Team
Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Mushfiqur Rahim, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan. Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman (vc).