“Now is the time to defeat Australia,” says Oman captain

Despite a disappointing run in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, Oman captain Jatinder Singh is determined to see a silver lining. With their final group-stage match set against a strong Australian side, Jatinder sees a rare opportunity to pull off a shock, even though Australia has already been eliminated from the tournament.

Oman’s campaign so far has been far from ideal. Heavy defeats against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Ireland have placed the team under immense pressure. Yet, the captain remains optimistic about ending their tournament on a high note.

In a press conference ahead of the match, Jatinder said, “This is a huge opportunity for us. T20 cricket is all about momentum. On the day you capitalise on key moments, any team can be beaten. Australia are not at their best right now, so this is the perfect time to challenge them.”

He also highlighted the positive mindset of the squad. “Our players are highly motivated and eager to prove themselves on the international stage,” he added.

Looking Beyond the Tournament

Jatinder is not just focused on the immediate match but also on Oman’s long-term growth in international cricket. He noted that for the team to improve, players need more exposure to competitive cricket. In 2025, Oman played only 15 T20s and 8 ODIs, significantly fewer than most full-member nations.

“If franchise cricket comes to our country, or if our players get opportunities abroad, they will gain invaluable experience,” Jatinder explained. “That experience can make a big difference when representing the national side.”

He also expressed frustration at the difficulty of arranging competitive fixtures. “Often we invite other teams to play, but the response isn’t always what we hope for. Franchise cricket could be a key avenue for development.”

As Oman prepares to face Australia, the focus is clear: seize the opportunity, make a statement, and gain momentum not just for the current World Cup but for the future of Omani cricket.