For the first time, the USA will host an ICC event, and it is a good move by the ICC to promote cricket in the biggest economy in the world. The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to begin on June 1, and West Indies are the co-hosts along with the USA. 20 teams have signed up for this tournament, making it the biggest ever to take place. There will be 55 matches, but only one team can get their hands on the prestigious trophy.
Oman, which qualified through the Gulf Qualifiers, will also feature in this tournament. They are part of Group B and will play at least four games against Namibia, England, Australia, and Scotland. Aqib Ilyas has been given the honor of leading Oman in this big tournament. They will open their campaign on June 2 against Namibia at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. So let’s do the SWOT analysis of Oman for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Squad: Aqib Ilyas (captain), Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Kashyap Prajapati, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi, Khalid Kail, Mehran Khan, Fayyaz Butt, Pratik Athavale, Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah, Shakeel Ahmad, Rafiullah.
Reserves: Jatinder Singh, Sufyan Mehmood, Samay Shrivastava, Jay Odedra
Oman’s Strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Mix of Young and Veteran performers
The main strength of Oman lies in their combination. They have picked up a great balance of young and experienced players who can gel together well. Some of their players, like Kashyap Prajapati, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, and Bilal Khan, have been playing together for years now. Hence, they know about the game plan of each other that can come into play when you play as a team. Everyone on the team knows their role and has a clear mind, which helps them perform on the field.
2. Pitches Conditions
One thing is sure: compared to other Associate Nations, Oman might face less challenge because the conditions to be offered in the USA and West Indies during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 are somehow similar to those in the subcontinent. And Oman have experience playing in such pitches, which might be a practical factor because they can adjust to the conditions and play according to their strengths.
Oman’s Weaknesses for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Non-Performance Against Top-Tier Teams
Oman look like a pretty solid team, and they have a chance to register a couple of good wins in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. But their biggest worry will come when they face a big team. Oman don’t have a great track record against a big team. They have not beaten a team that has been ranked 10 or less in T20I cricket. That is where they might feel a bit unsure.
2. Not Many Wicket-Taking Options
Oman have a strong batting group with a number of power-hitters who can take on any bowling attack. But their biggest weakness will be their bowling. Oman have too much dependency on one or two individuals in the bowling departments. Bilal Khan and Fayyaz Butt are two bowlers who do the bulk of the job with the ball. If either of them or both had an off day, Oman don’t have a backup wicket-taker.
Threat for Oman in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Oman have a really good team on papar? But can they do it on the big stage? That will be the question. With not much financial backing and a poor cricket structure, these players may have to face a lot of challenges in this tournament. There are a few good players on the team, but the biggest worry for them is performing as a unit. Depending on one or two individuals is not the success mantra anymore.
Opportunities Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Despite having so many challenges, Oman have a lot to gain in this competition. They don’t get a chance to play against big teams, and it will be the first time that they will face England and Australia. They can learn a lot and show their strengths. If they can play freely, they can stun any team on the given day, which can help them improve in the coming years.
Strongest Playing XI for Oman in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Predicted)
Kashyap Prajapati, Khalid Kail, Zeeshan Maqsood, Naseem Khushi (wk), Shoaib Khan, Ayaan Khan, Rafiullah, Fayyaz Butt, Bilal Khan, Aqib Ilyas (c), Kaleemullah