*OMAN VS WESTINDIES SUPER SIXES MATCH 7 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Oman did make it through to the Super 6s but ever since they have started competing here, all their effort has gone into vain. They began with a close loss to Zimbabwe, a game which they should have ideally won and followed that up with a 74 run bashing from the Netherlands. They seem to have lost the plot and their chances to play the WorldCup now rely on the others and on luck. A win against Windies, a side that is already failing to come up with solutions and unable to counter the reality, will be historic for Oman even if they crash out.
The West Indies, known for their cheerful fighting spirit have lost three in a row and most importantly, will no longer feature in this years World Cup, which comes as a big blow to cricket itself. Time has come for them to take some harsh measures and strict actions. They will only be playing for some pride and momentum as they have India waiting in the wings for them at their home grounds. The Caribbean boys started off with promise but ever since they disappointed the crowds vs Zim, they seemed to have taken a next level of beating- losing two more and to sides which are weaker than them on paper. Tomorrow presents them with a second last chance to regain hope and to make it count. A loss to Oman has to be the end of roads for this side.
*OMAN PROBABLE XI:*
Kashyap Prajapati, Jatinder Singh, Aqib Ilyas, Sandeep Goud/Zeeshan Maqsood, Shoaib Khan, Suraj Kumar(wk), Ayaan Khan, Muhammad Nadeem, Fayyaz Butt, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan
Given a promotion, Ayaan Khan made the most of his opportunity and notched up a brilliant ton, one which gave Oman the little hope or a glimmer of a chance. It was a fighting knock from the 30 year old and it was one of those knocks that stays embedded in your memory for long. He has a chance to showcase his prowess and his range hitting vs Windies, where his skills will come into focus more. Keep an eye on him, not just for his batting but also his bowling which has some magic in it. He has picked up just 3 wickets so far this tournament but has looked assured of whatever role has been given to him by the skipper, the WI in an attempt to take his bowling on, could fall into the well set trap.
Bilal Khan was instrumental last game with a three-fer but failed to keep the economy in check. Even overall, he has been a key figure in the bowling department of Oman and his average of 25 with 13 wickets to go along with it, shows well for the effort that he has put in. The Windies have suffered a few batting collapses and have to bounce back from it only if Bilal and his men allow them to. Excited to see how he goes about his business tomorrow.
*WESTINDIES PROBABLE XI:*
Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope(c)(Wk), Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder, Kevin Sinclair, Akeal Hossain, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph
Think it’s time to drop Brooks from the XI, who has been averaging under 15 with a poor strike rate and no performance to note down. He could very well be replaced by anchor Roston Chase, who gives Wi not just his stable batting but some off spin to go along with as well. The bowling allrounder has an average of nearly 50 this tourney while batting and has picked up 5 wickets as well. I don’t see how Chase doesn’t fit into this setup specially against Oman who haven’t seen him enough.
It’s a shame how Hope despite averaging above 50 with over 250 runs, hasn’t been able to guide Windies to victories. Another “lead from the front” job will be expected from him as Windies gear up to play for some pride after their hopes of making to India came to a close.
A lot was riding on this Windies bowling attack but they have not been able to live up to the promise that they showed pre Qualifiers. Even though the conditions have been on the flatter side, you expect a side like WI to come up with the right goods and make their experience count. Joseph undoubtedly has been the king with the bowl, even against Scotland he gave just 29 for his 7 and throughout the tournament, has been covering up for all his mates leaking runs. He needs support and what better than to give it, starting from tomorrow.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR OMAN:*
Highest run getter- Kashyap Prajapati/Aqib Ilyas
Highest wicket taker- Bilal Khan/Fayyaz Butt
*FOR WI:*
Highest run getter- Shai Hope/Nicholas Pooran
Highest wicket taker- Alzarri Joseph/Jason Holder
*FOR THE GAME:*
Windies to win