Ireland, Oman aim to keep qualification hopes alive

Ireland and Oman meet in Group B with both sides yet to open their account. While qualification remains a mathematical possibility, this fixture could realistically determine who avoids the bottom spot in the group. Ireland have shown phases of competitiveness despite two defeats, whereas Oman have appeared more outmatched, suffering heavy losses in both their outings.

Ireland pushed Sri Lanka hard in their opener, competing well for long stretches before fading at key moments. Even against Australia, there were phases with the ball where they managed to apply pressure, but they were unable to sustain it across the full 20 overs. The recurring issue has been their batting depth and middle-overs stability, with promising positions not converted into match-shaping passages. For Ireland, it is less about reinvention and more about getting the small moments right as they search for their first win in this tournament.

Oman, in contrast, have endured more one-sided contests. Bowled out cheaply by Zimbabwe and then comfortably beaten by Sri Lanka, they have struggled to stitch together a complete performance across departments. There have been brief moments of resistance with the bat, but the bowling unit has not consistently threatened stronger line-ups or built sustained pressure. Against Ireland, Oman will need a clear uptick in intensity and control if they are to turn competitiveness into genuine contention.

When: Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 AM Local Time
Where: Match 22, Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo

What to expect: The Netherlands nearly defended 147 against Pakistan in an 11 AM start at this venue, suggesting conditions earlier in the day can offer greater assistance to the bowlers. Oman were bowled out for 103 by Zimbabwe here in an afternoon game. A total in the 160-170 range could prove competitive, particularly if there is early movement. Captains may prefer to bowl first to exploit any assistance.

Head to head: Ireland have faced Oman six times in T20Is and have a 4-2 record. Since 2019, Ireland have been undefeated against Oman.

Ireland: Skipper Paul Stirling has been ruled out after injuring his knee against Australia. Vice-captain Lorcan Tucker is set to lead the side, with Tim Tector likely to come into the XI.

Probable XI: Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c & wk), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys

Oman: They made a couple of changes in the last game, bringing in Mohammad Nadeem and Jay Odedra. Nadeem responded with a half-century, while Odedra struck with a wicket in his only over. With some positives to build on, Oman could field an unchanged XI.

Probable XI: Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Mohammad Nadeem, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Jay Odedra

Gary Wilson, Ireland batting coach: "There's a lot of talent in that dressing room and a huge amount of belief from us as coaches… We have played the two best teams in our group so far. We've also got two games to come. They're hugely important for us."

Mohammad Nadeem, Oman: "Actually the brand of cricket we played in the last two matches, we are not this kind of a team, we are a better team. But the boys could not play according to their abilities. They are much more, they have much better ability."