This story is from June 14, 2024
'Used to playing 130-140kph, not 150+': Oman skipper Aqib Ilyas pinpoints reason for shambolic T20 World Cup loss against England
He also mentioned the difficulty the batsmen faced against England's bowlers, who delivered at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, a pace unfamiliar to the Omani team.
"We're used to playing bowlers that bowl in the 130-140kph range in associate cricket. So it's difficult when once in a year you play against bowlers bowling 150+, there is something in your mind. It's a different thing when you're used to playing such bowlers," added Ilyas.
England secured a resounding victory against Oman in their T20 World Cup match in Antigua on Thursday, winning by eight wickets in just 19 balls. The win keeps England's hopes of progressing to the Super Eight stage alive.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, England made quick work of Oman's batting lineup, dismissing them for a mere 47 runs in 13.2 overs.
This total is the fourth lowest in T20 World Cup history and Oman's lowest ever in T20Is. Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for England, taking four wickets for 11 runs in his four overs.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood also impressed, with Wood reaching his 50th T20 international wicket during the match. Both Archer and Wood finished with figures of 3-12.
England's chase got off to a blistering start, with Phil Salt hitting sixes off the first two balls before being bowled by Bilal Khan's third delivery, which deflected off the inside edge and onto the stumps.
Will Jacks followed soon after, caught by Kashyap Prajapati off Kaleemullah for five, leaving England at 20-2 after two overs.
However, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow made quick work of the remaining runs, securing the victory in just 3.1 overs.
Significantly, England's NRR climbed to 3.081, better than Scotland's 2.16. England, however, stayed third on three points, behind Scotland's five.
The Oman captain also mentioned the added pressure on the batsmen due to their failure to secure runs in previous matches, which contributed to poor shot selection against England
"The batters were also under pressure having not got runs in the last few games. Unfortunately bad shot selection and they bowled in good areas. You can't blame the bowlers for anything, throughout the tournament they're the ones that did really well. Would have liked to finish on a great note," the Oman skipper further commented.
After England won the toss and opted to field first, Oman's opening batsmen, Pratik Athavale and Kashyap Prajapati, initiated the innings but quickly lost their wickets, contributing to a modest opening partnership.
Shoaib Khan emerged as the top scorer for Oman, managing to lead the team to a total of 47 runs before the completion of the 14th over. England's bowler, Adil Rashid, stood out with an exceptional performance, taking four wickets for 11 runs in his four overs.
In the chase, England's openers, Philip Salt and Jos Buttler, commenced aggressively, quickly amassing runs despite an early setback with the dismissal of Salt. Buttler, alongside Jonny Bairstow, continued the momentum, steering England to a swift victory within four overs.
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