We are back for the chase! Both umpires stride out to the middle.Â
.... RUN CHASE ...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, on the pads. Nosaina Pokana goes on the back foot and works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Papua New Guinea end with 129/9!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, outside off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Right then! 130 to win for Oman! They will back themselves to chase this down. Papua New Guinea will need to bowl really well if they need to defend this score. An exciting run chase coming up. Do join us in a while.
Charles Amini is there for a chat. He says that he enjoyed his outing very much. Mentions that they were looking around 160 as it's a good wicket to bat on but they fell short. Tells that they made just a few silly errors and need to stop that. States that Oman bowlers were excellent. Adds that their journey has been amazing so far and says that they will have to bowl out of their skins if they are to defend the target.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Safe! Quicker and fuller, around off. Morea slices it agonisingly past the diving fielder at extra cover for a run.
Papua New Guinea's innings was all about Assad Vala and Charles Amini. After losing two wickets for 0 runs, Vala and Amini played brilliantly and put Papua New Guinea in a very good position. But Amini's run out changed things as none of the other batters could get going and they suffered a massive collapse. Vala played superbly for his 56Â but he needed to stay till the end. Overall, they have ended with a below-par score on the board.
Oman were simply terrific with the ball! Bilala Khan started it all, picking up a wicket in the first over and Kaleemullah continued the good work in the second. But there was some dull time after that for them as they failed to pick up wickets and also gave away some quick runs and they looked in trouble. Once they got Charles Amini run out, Oman came back well as they kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Zeeshan Maqsood was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets. They would ba
An excellent bowling performance from Oman! They were terrific and have put themselves in a very good position to win the first game of the tournament. Papua New Guinea looked good until the 12th over but then they collapsed and have finished with a below-par score.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, A touch short and around off. Nosaina Pokana pulls it to wide long on for another one.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Flighted ball, on off. Morea heaves it down the ground for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Tossed up, on off and this is chipped towards long off for a single.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Just 4 off the penultimate over. Full and on off, driven down the ground for a run.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, A slower bouncer this time, outside off. Nosaina Pokana leaves it alone.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, A length ball, on middle and leg. Morea works it on the leg side for one.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Back of a length, on leg. Pokana clips it down to fine leg for a single.Â
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Full and wide, driven through extra cover for a single.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Good-length ball, on off and tapped towards cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter one, around off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Slower delivery, on middle. Pokana inside edges it onto the pads.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, WIDE! Fired down the leg side. Wided!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, On middle, Nosaina Pokana pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, On the pads and flicked through square leg for a run.
Nosaina Pokana is the last batsman for Papua New Guinea to walk out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, ! CAUGHT! That's the fourth wicket now for the skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood. Flighted ball, on off stump. Damien Ravu looks to go downtown and gets a decent connection on it. Ravu however, doesn't get much elevation and Mohammad Nadeem leaps up at the long on fence to take an excellent catch.
Kabua Morea is the new batter in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Tossed up, on middle. Kabua Morea pushes it down to long on for one.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, ! CAUGHT! That's the eight down and Oman are on top right now. Bilal Khan bangs in another short one, on middle and going across the left-hander. Simon Atai looks to pull but gets it off the splice off the bat and towards mid-wicket. Ayaan Khan over there, jumps to his left and takes a very good catch.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, A length ball, on the stumps. Simon Atai paddles it fine and picks up a brace.
Aqib Ilyas seems to have hurt himself on the wrists while attempting the catch. The physios are out to attend him. He is walking off the field now. Let's hope there is nothing serious.Â
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Safe! Another short one and Damien Ravu looks to go after it. Ravu ends up getting a top edge and the ball is skied towards short third man. The fielder from inisde the ring runs back and puts in an excellent dive but just can't grab it. They get a single.
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Khan bangs in a short one and Ravu ducks under it.
Bilal Khan comes back into the attack. His figures read 2-1-9-1, so far.Â
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, LEG BYE! Bilal Khan sees Simon Atai charging down the track and fires in a full one. Atai misses and the ball goes off the pads on the off side. They get a leg bye.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, Back of a length, on off. Atai looks to slash but misses.
We are all set to begin! Papua New Guinea players can be seen taking a knee before they step into the ground. Tony Ura and Lega Siaka are the openers for Papua New Guinea. Bilal Khan to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, Nicely flighted and Damien Ravu looks to flicks it on the leg side. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads. A slight appeal but turned down.
The new batsman in is Damien Ravu.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, ! CAUGHT! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood is ripping through the batting of Papua New Guinea. On off and angling across. Kiplin Doriga looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. The ball takes a leading edge and goes to Sandeep Goud at cover-point. Another soft dismissal for Papua New Guinea and they are in deep trouble now.
Kiplin Doriga walks out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, Fullish ball, outside off. Doriga pushes it to cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, ! CAUGHT! The wickets just keep tumbling for Papua New Guinea. Sese Bau pre-meditates and pays the price. Zeeshan Maqsood fires this one in quicker and fuller. Bau looks to revere-sweep but hits it straight down the throat of Jatinder Singh at short third man, who makes no mistake and Sese Bau has to depart as well.
Simon Atai is the new batsman in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Simon Atai, Shortish ball, Atai flicks it on the leg side off the back foot for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Norman Vanua, ! Cleaned up! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood with a ripper of a delivery and Norman Vanua doesn't know what hit him. This is quicker and very full, on off stump. The ball is angled in but straightens in the end. Vanua looks to nudge it on the leg side and ends up playing all around a straight delivery. The ball crashes into off stump and Vanua has to walk back early.
Zeeshan Maqsood (1-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Back-to-back boundaries! Back of a length, on leg. Sese Bau swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Vala turns it to square leg for one.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Well played! Another slower delivery, on middle. Sese Bau hits it straight down the ground towards long on for a boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Norman Vanua, Slower ball, on middle. Vanua glances it to square leg for a run.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Kaleemullah shortens the length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it towards covers for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Short of a length, on off. Sese Bau looks to cut but misses.Â
Norman Vanua is the new man in.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! CAUGHT! Kaleemullah gets rid of the big fish. Good-length ball, on off. Assad Vala looks to go big on the leg side. He closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge. The ball goes high up in the air towards long on. Jatinder Singh runs to his right and reverse cups the catch. He celebrates the wicket Shikhar Dhawan style, which is a thigh slap. End of an excellent knock from Assad Vala.
Kaleemullah (2-0-9-1) comes back into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On middle, Vala works it to deep square leg. He crosses ends.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau makes room for himself and punches it to long off for a single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it off the back foot towards backward point. The fielder dives to his right and gets a hand onto it. The ball rolls towards third man. The batters take a couple of runs. Good running between the wickets!Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Good-length ball, on off. Bau charges down the track and drives it towards covers.Â
Oman have taken the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's clear gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside leg stump and the onfield decision of NOT stays. Oman also lose their review.
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, NOT ! Length ball on middle and leg, Sese Bau looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets rapped on the front pad. Mohammad Nadeem puts in a huge shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The ball rolls on the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. Oman opt for a review. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside leg. Oman lose their review and Sese Bau survives.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Dispatched! Loopy ball, on off. Assad Vala clobbers it straight down the ground over long off for a biggie. He gets to his fifty in style as well. What a knock he has been playing. Sensational batting.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Cracking shot! Short and outside off, Assad Vala rocks back and smashes it through extra cover for a boundary. That went like a tracer bullet.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Floats it up, outside off. Sese Bau cuts it through covers for a single.Â
There's a bit of a collision between the bowler, Zeeshan Maqsood and the non-striker, Assad Vala. Vala seems to be hit on the knee and is in some pain. The physio is out and having a look. Everything seems fine now and we are ready to continue.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Outside off again, Sese Bau rocks back and looks to slap it through coves but fails to get any bat on it again.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter delivery, outside off. Sese Bau looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter and quicker, on off. Sese Bau pats it towards the right of the bowler. Zeeshan Maqsood dives that side and crashes on to Assad Vala on the way. Vala looks to be in some pain.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood comes in to replace Aqib Ilyas (4-0-28-0).
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Full and on off, Vala drills it to mid off.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, MISFIELD AND ! Lenth ball on leg, Assad Vala tickles it towards short fine leg. The fielder there misfields and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.Â
Sese Bau comes in at number 5.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Back of a length, on off. Vala taps it towards covers.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, ! RUN OUT! Oman get the much-needed breakthrough. That is a big wicket. Mohammad Nadeem bowls a length ball, on leg. Assad Vala prods and looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets hit on the body. Charles Amini tries to take a quick leg bye but Assad Vala sends him back. Amini is already halfway down the track though. Mohammad Nadeem picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Charles Amini is nowhere in the frame and ha
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Back of a length, on off. Amini works it towards mid off for a quick single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Fuller in length, on off. Charles Amini digs it out from the crease.Â
Mohammad Nadeem (1-0-13-0) is back into the attack.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, ! BAM! Short and on middle, Assad Vala rocks back and launches this one over deep mid-wicket handsomely for a biggie. Clean strike! Vala also moves onto 40 with that maximum.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Full and outside off, pushed towards covers.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Floats it up, outside off. Amini steers it through covers for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on the pads. Vala flicks it to square leg for a run.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on off, Charles Amini presses forward and nudges it to mid-wicket for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on off. Vala works it to long on for a single.
DRINKS! After losing two wickets with nothing on the board, Assad Vala and Charles Amini have done well to recover and are buillding a good partnership. Oman would look to scalp wickets again and break this partnership.Â
Oman have opted for a review. It's for an LBW and Assad Vala is the man in question. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows umpire's call on wickets hitting. The original decision stays.Â
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On the leg stump again and Vala gets it through square leg for a single.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On the pads and swept away to deep backward square leg for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Tossed up, around off. Vala goes inside out and picks up a single down to sweeper cover.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, NOT ! A slower length ball, on middle. Assad Vala goes down on one knee and looks to swing across the line. Vala misses the ball completely and the ball flicks the pad. The ball goes towards third man and they get a couple of leg byes. Oman however, take the review and it's a close one. The Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on hitting.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Attempted short ball, on off. Charles Amini rocks back and and pulls it down to long on for a single. The fielder fumbles but collects it quickly, keeping it to one.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flatter one, angled in on leg stump. Vala flicks it off the back foot and the ball goes through backward square leg. They pick up a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Shortish ball, on middle. Amini eases it down the ground and rotates the strike.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Quicker one, on off and skidding in. Vala gets an inside edge down to short fine leg for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, On off and this is beautifully timed but straight to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Shorter in length, around off. Vala thumps it down to long on for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, On off and patted back to the bowler.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, A length ball, outside off. Vala cuts it through backward point for a run. These two are motoring along now.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Slower and shorter this time, outside off. Assad Vala makes room and gets it behind point. They race back for the second. Excellent running.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Short and wide, slapped through cover-point for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Fullish ball, on middle. Vala swipes across the line and picks up a single towards deep mid-wicket.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, ! Dragged down, on middle, a nothing delivery to be honest. Assad Vala rocks back and muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 50 up for Papua New Guinea!
Khawar Ali comes into the attack now.Â
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On middle and worked on the leg side for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A round arm delivery to end the over. This one is worked through square leg for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Close! Slower through the air this time from Aqib Ilyas. Assad Vala looks to push it down the ground but chips it and the bowler dives at full stretch to his left. Ilyas can't reach it and they get a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Flatter delivery, angled into middle and leg. Amini flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A touch short, on off. Charles Amini nudges it off the back foot through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles and they race back for the second.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Quicker delivery, on the off stump. Amini keeps it out.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flighted ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and chips it towards deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, A full toss on middle, Charles Amini works it to mid-wicket. End of the Powerplay, Papua New Guinea are 40/2.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! Nicely played! Shorish delivery, around off. Charles Amini goes on the back foot and whacks it across the line towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! BANG! Length ball, on middle and leg. Charles Amini charges down the track and flicks it off the wrists over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Fuller, on middle. Assad Vala chips it to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Assad Vala nudges it to the fine leg region for a brace.Â
A change from both ends now. Mohammad Nadeem comes into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Good-length ball on leg, Charles Amini looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. He gits hit on the pads and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, NOT ! Tossed up delivery on leg, the ball stays a little low. Vala makes room for himself and looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. Oman appeal for stumping and Kumar Dharmasena decides to take it upstairs. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Assad Vala has his feet dragged back in the crease.Â
The umpires have gone upstairs for a stumping appeal. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved. The replay shows that the boot never left the batting crease and it's NOT on the big screen.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on middle. Assad Vala nudges it to mid-wicket.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on middle. Vala rocks back and works it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Floats it up, on middle. Vala tucks it on the leg side.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on middle, Charles Amini steps out to hoick but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards short fine leg and the batters sneak a single.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, ! Loopy ball on off, Charles Amini goes on the back foot and knocks it towards mid off. The fielder there misfields and concedes a boundary.Â
Here comes the first bowling change. Aqib Ilyas comes into the attack now.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Another slower one, on off. Assad Vala makes room for himself and smashes it straight towards covers. Good comeback from Kaleemullah after getting hit for a couple of boundaries.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Slower delivery outside off, Assad Vala looks to hit it on the leg side but gets beaten by the lack of pace.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! The skipper is leading the way! Vala advances down the track, picks the full delivery on the full toss, and whacks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! That would settle the nerves a bit! Length ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and creams it through covers. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash. Little bit of momentum building for Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, On a good length, around off, shaping back in. Assad Vala looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the ouside edge.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Good-length ball, outside off. Assad Vala charges down the track and looks to heave it away but misses.Â
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! A boundary to end the over! Good-length ball on off, Amini uses his feet and then lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! The first slip fielder was removed and it costs Oman! Full outside off, Amini looks to drive but gets an outside edge, runs to third man for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, A direct hit would have been close! Length ball outside off, Vala chops it to backward point and takes off for a single. Ilyas collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Replay shows that had that hit the stumps, Vala would have been a goner.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Full ball outside off, Vala drives it to cover.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Good-length ball on the pads, Vala looks to flick but it brushes the pads and it goes to the keeper.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, LEG BYE! Full on the pads, Amini looks to flick but it goes off the pads to square leg. A leg bye pinched.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Amini and Papua New Guinea are underway! Good-length ball on off, Amini looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls to the leg side. A single to end another successful over for Oman.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full on middle, Amini uses his feet and then works it back to the bowler.
Charles Amini is the new batter in.Â
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full and outside off, Amini leaves it alone.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, ! CHOPPED ON! Another wicket and Oman are off to a wonderful start. Papua New Guinea did not need this at all. Poor start for them. Kaleemullah dishes a short ball on off, Siaka rocks back and then looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and uproots the middle stump. 0 for 2 are Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, Full on middle, Siaka defends it to cover.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, PLAY AND A MISS! Kaleemullah starts with a full ball outside off, Siaka looks to drive but fails to get anything on it.
Kaleemullah to steam in from the opposite end.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Excellent first over from Bilal Khan! Full ball on middle, Vala looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A wicket-maiden from Khan.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, ! DRAGGED ON! Perfect start from Oman! A wicket in the first over! Brilliant from Oman. Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to drive but does not move his feet at all. It takes the inside edge and it hits the stumps. Oman have got a perfect start.
The skipper, Assad Vala walks out to bat at No.3.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Full on middle, Ura flicks it to mid-wicket.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Nicely bowled! On a length on middle, Ura works it to mid on.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Play and a miss! Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to cut but fails to put bat on ball.Â
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Khan starts nicely here! He bowls a good-length ball on off, it comes in. Ura defends it to mid off.
We will begin the proceedings with the National Anthems! First up is the National Anthem of Papua New Guinea, followed by Oman's.
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison is there for the pitch report. He says that the boundaries are short. Adds that it is nice and flat. Anjum Chopra joins him and she says that it will be a batter's pitch. States that grass has been taken off and the batters need to win it for the teams.
Assad Vala, the skipper of Papua New Guinea, says that it looks like a really good wicket and they would have bowled first as well but will look to put on a good score. Adds that they will play with flair and play the way they do. Also adds that they've got a pretty good all-round team and names a few key players to look out for.
Zeeshan Maqsood, the Oman skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the pitch looks dry and they have some spinners who can make use of it. States that the preparation has been good and the boys are confident. States that they have many players who are playing well and they will do well.Â
Oman (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Naseem Khushi (WK), Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan, Kashyap Prajapati.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
The scenes from the ground look spectacular as the opening ceremony takes place. It is an historic day for co-hosts Oman as an all-women marching band is seen leading the proceedings.
TOSS - Oman have won the toss and they elect to BOWL first.
... MATCH DAY ...
Hello and a warm welcome to the mega event, the T20 World Cup which will kick start with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea. The two sides played a couple of warm-up fixtures heading into this fixture. Oman won one out of those two while Papua New Guinea lost both their warm-up fixtures. Both sides have some impactful players who will be determined to put up a spirited show at the big platform. Both teams would look to start their campaigns on a victorious note in their bid to qualify for Super 12.
Oman has been one of the Asian teams who have risen through the ranks. This is their second T20 World Cup appearance. They appeared in the 2016 edition as well and stamped their authority by defeating Ireland in one of the games. It also marks their first chance at hosting an ICC event. The fact that they are playing on home soil might just bring out the best in them.
Assad Vala-led Papua New Guinea have had the most amazing journey among all the teams in the tournament. Before heading to the start of the global qualifiers for the T20 World Cup, they had lost 8 matches. But they spun the wheel of fortune and turned the tables and how. They played out of their skin to end up in the final of the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers. They were the table-toppers of Group B which consisted of Scotland, Netherlands and Namibia and became the first team to qualify for thi
We are back for the chase! Both umpires stride out to the middle.Â
.... RUN CHASE ...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, on the pads. Nosaina Pokana goes on the back foot and works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Papua New Guinea end with 129/9!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, outside off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Right then! 130 to win for Oman! They will back themselves to chase this down. Papua New Guinea will need to bowl really well if they need to defend this score. An exciting run chase coming up. Do join us in a while.
Charles Amini is there for a chat. He says that he enjoyed his outing very much. Mentions that they were looking around 160 as it's a good wicket to bat on but they fell short. Tells that they made just a few silly errors and need to stop that. States that Oman bowlers were excellent. Adds that their journey has been amazing so far and says that they will have to bowl out of their skins if they are to defend the target.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Safe! Quicker and fuller, around off. Morea slices it agonisingly past the diving fielder at extra cover for a run.
Papua New Guinea's innings was all about Assad Vala and Charles Amini. After losing two wickets for 0 runs, Vala and Amini played brilliantly and put Papua New Guinea in a very good position. But Amini's run out changed things as none of the other batters could get going and they suffered a massive collapse. Vala played superbly for his 56Â but he needed to stay till the end. Overall, they have ended with a below-par score on the board.
Oman were simply terrific with the ball! Bilala Khan started it all, picking up a wicket in the first over and Kaleemullah continued the good work in the second. But there was some dull time after that for them as they failed to pick up wickets and also gave away some quick runs and they looked in trouble. Once they got Charles Amini run out, Oman came back well as they kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Zeeshan Maqsood was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets. They would ba
An excellent bowling performance from Oman! They were terrific and have put themselves in a very good position to win the first game of the tournament. Papua New Guinea looked good until the 12th over but then they collapsed and have finished with a below-par score.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, A touch short and around off. Nosaina Pokana pulls it to wide long on for another one.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Flighted ball, on off. Morea heaves it down the ground for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Tossed up, on off and this is chipped towards long off for a single.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Just 4 off the penultimate over. Full and on off, driven down the ground for a run.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, A slower bouncer this time, outside off. Nosaina Pokana leaves it alone.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, A length ball, on middle and leg. Morea works it on the leg side for one.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Back of a length, on leg. Pokana clips it down to fine leg for a single.Â
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Full and wide, driven through extra cover for a single.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Good-length ball, on off and tapped towards cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter one, around off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Slower delivery, on middle. Pokana inside edges it onto the pads.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, WIDE! Fired down the leg side. Wided!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, On middle, Nosaina Pokana pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, On the pads and flicked through square leg for a run.
Nosaina Pokana is the last batsman for Papua New Guinea to walk out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, ! CAUGHT! That's the fourth wicket now for the skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood. Flighted ball, on off stump. Damien Ravu looks to go downtown and gets a decent connection on it. Ravu however, doesn't get much elevation and Mohammad Nadeem leaps up at the long on fence to take an excellent catch.
Kabua Morea is the new batter in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Tossed up, on middle. Kabua Morea pushes it down to long on for one.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, ! CAUGHT! That's the eight down and Oman are on top right now. Bilal Khan bangs in another short one, on middle and going across the left-hander. Simon Atai looks to pull but gets it off the splice off the bat and towards mid-wicket. Ayaan Khan over there, jumps to his left and takes a very good catch.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, A length ball, on the stumps. Simon Atai paddles it fine and picks up a brace.
Aqib Ilyas seems to have hurt himself on the wrists while attempting the catch. The physios are out to attend him. He is walking off the field now. Let's hope there is nothing serious.Â
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Safe! Another short one and Damien Ravu looks to go after it. Ravu ends up getting a top edge and the ball is skied towards short third man. The fielder from inisde the ring runs back and puts in an excellent dive but just can't grab it. They get a single.
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Khan bangs in a short one and Ravu ducks under it.
Bilal Khan comes back into the attack. His figures read 2-1-9-1, so far.Â
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, LEG BYE! Bilal Khan sees Simon Atai charging down the track and fires in a full one. Atai misses and the ball goes off the pads on the off side. They get a leg bye.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, Back of a length, on off. Atai looks to slash but misses.
We are all set to begin! Papua New Guinea players can be seen taking a knee before they step into the ground. Tony Ura and Lega Siaka are the openers for Papua New Guinea. Bilal Khan to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, Nicely flighted and Damien Ravu looks to flicks it on the leg side. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads. A slight appeal but turned down.
The new batsman in is Damien Ravu.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, ! CAUGHT! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood is ripping through the batting of Papua New Guinea. On off and angling across. Kiplin Doriga looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. The ball takes a leading edge and goes to Sandeep Goud at cover-point. Another soft dismissal for Papua New Guinea and they are in deep trouble now.
Kiplin Doriga walks out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, Fullish ball, outside off. Doriga pushes it to cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, ! CAUGHT! The wickets just keep tumbling for Papua New Guinea. Sese Bau pre-meditates and pays the price. Zeeshan Maqsood fires this one in quicker and fuller. Bau looks to revere-sweep but hits it straight down the throat of Jatinder Singh at short third man, who makes no mistake and Sese Bau has to depart as well.
Simon Atai is the new batsman in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Simon Atai, Shortish ball, Atai flicks it on the leg side off the back foot for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Norman Vanua, ! Cleaned up! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood with a ripper of a delivery and Norman Vanua doesn't know what hit him. This is quicker and very full, on off stump. The ball is angled in but straightens in the end. Vanua looks to nudge it on the leg side and ends up playing all around a straight delivery. The ball crashes into off stump and Vanua has to walk back early.
Zeeshan Maqsood (1-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Back-to-back boundaries! Back of a length, on leg. Sese Bau swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Vala turns it to square leg for one.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Well played! Another slower delivery, on middle. Sese Bau hits it straight down the ground towards long on for a boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Norman Vanua, Slower ball, on middle. Vanua glances it to square leg for a run.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Kaleemullah shortens the length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it towards covers for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Short of a length, on off. Sese Bau looks to cut but misses.Â
Norman Vanua is the new man in.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! CAUGHT! Kaleemullah gets rid of the big fish. Good-length ball, on off. Assad Vala looks to go big on the leg side. He closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge. The ball goes high up in the air towards long on. Jatinder Singh runs to his right and reverse cups the catch. He celebrates the wicket Shikhar Dhawan style, which is a thigh slap. End of an excellent knock from Assad Vala.
Kaleemullah (2-0-9-1) comes back into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On middle, Vala works it to deep square leg. He crosses ends.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau makes room for himself and punches it to long off for a single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it off the back foot towards backward point. The fielder dives to his right and gets a hand onto it. The ball rolls towards third man. The batters take a couple of runs. Good running between the wickets!Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Good-length ball, on off. Bau charges down the track and drives it towards covers.Â
Oman have taken the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's clear gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside leg stump and the onfield decision of NOT stays. Oman also lose their review.
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, NOT ! Length ball on middle and leg, Sese Bau looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets rapped on the front pad. Mohammad Nadeem puts in a huge shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The ball rolls on the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. Oman opt for a review. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside leg. Oman lose their review and Sese Bau survives.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Dispatched! Loopy ball, on off. Assad Vala clobbers it straight down the ground over long off for a biggie. He gets to his fifty in style as well. What a knock he has been playing. Sensational batting.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Cracking shot! Short and outside off, Assad Vala rocks back and smashes it through extra cover for a boundary. That went like a tracer bullet.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Floats it up, outside off. Sese Bau cuts it through covers for a single.Â
There's a bit of a collision between the bowler, Zeeshan Maqsood and the non-striker, Assad Vala. Vala seems to be hit on the knee and is in some pain. The physio is out and having a look. Everything seems fine now and we are ready to continue.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Outside off again, Sese Bau rocks back and looks to slap it through coves but fails to get any bat on it again.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter delivery, outside off. Sese Bau looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter and quicker, on off. Sese Bau pats it towards the right of the bowler. Zeeshan Maqsood dives that side and crashes on to Assad Vala on the way. Vala looks to be in some pain.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood comes in to replace Aqib Ilyas (4-0-28-0).
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Full and on off, Vala drills it to mid off.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, MISFIELD AND ! Lenth ball on leg, Assad Vala tickles it towards short fine leg. The fielder there misfields and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.Â
Sese Bau comes in at number 5.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Back of a length, on off. Vala taps it towards covers.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, ! RUN OUT! Oman get the much-needed breakthrough. That is a big wicket. Mohammad Nadeem bowls a length ball, on leg. Assad Vala prods and looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets hit on the body. Charles Amini tries to take a quick leg bye but Assad Vala sends him back. Amini is already halfway down the track though. Mohammad Nadeem picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Charles Amini is nowhere in the frame and ha
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Back of a length, on off. Amini works it towards mid off for a quick single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Fuller in length, on off. Charles Amini digs it out from the crease.Â
Mohammad Nadeem (1-0-13-0) is back into the attack.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, ! BAM! Short and on middle, Assad Vala rocks back and launches this one over deep mid-wicket handsomely for a biggie. Clean strike! Vala also moves onto 40 with that maximum.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Full and outside off, pushed towards covers.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Floats it up, outside off. Amini steers it through covers for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on the pads. Vala flicks it to square leg for a run.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on off, Charles Amini presses forward and nudges it to mid-wicket for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on off. Vala works it to long on for a single.
DRINKS! After losing two wickets with nothing on the board, Assad Vala and Charles Amini have done well to recover and are buillding a good partnership. Oman would look to scalp wickets again and break this partnership.Â
Oman have opted for a review. It's for an LBW and Assad Vala is the man in question. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows umpire's call on wickets hitting. The original decision stays.Â
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On the leg stump again and Vala gets it through square leg for a single.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On the pads and swept away to deep backward square leg for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Tossed up, around off. Vala goes inside out and picks up a single down to sweeper cover.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, NOT ! A slower length ball, on middle. Assad Vala goes down on one knee and looks to swing across the line. Vala misses the ball completely and the ball flicks the pad. The ball goes towards third man and they get a couple of leg byes. Oman however, take the review and it's a close one. The Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on hitting.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Attempted short ball, on off. Charles Amini rocks back and and pulls it down to long on for a single. The fielder fumbles but collects it quickly, keeping it to one.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flatter one, angled in on leg stump. Vala flicks it off the back foot and the ball goes through backward square leg. They pick up a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Shortish ball, on middle. Amini eases it down the ground and rotates the strike.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Quicker one, on off and skidding in. Vala gets an inside edge down to short fine leg for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, On off and this is beautifully timed but straight to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Shorter in length, around off. Vala thumps it down to long on for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, On off and patted back to the bowler.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, A length ball, outside off. Vala cuts it through backward point for a run. These two are motoring along now.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Slower and shorter this time, outside off. Assad Vala makes room and gets it behind point. They race back for the second. Excellent running.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Short and wide, slapped through cover-point for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Fullish ball, on middle. Vala swipes across the line and picks up a single towards deep mid-wicket.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, ! Dragged down, on middle, a nothing delivery to be honest. Assad Vala rocks back and muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 50 up for Papua New Guinea!
Khawar Ali comes into the attack now.Â
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On middle and worked on the leg side for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A round arm delivery to end the over. This one is worked through square leg for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Close! Slower through the air this time from Aqib Ilyas. Assad Vala looks to push it down the ground but chips it and the bowler dives at full stretch to his left. Ilyas can't reach it and they get a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Flatter delivery, angled into middle and leg. Amini flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A touch short, on off. Charles Amini nudges it off the back foot through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles and they race back for the second.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Quicker delivery, on the off stump. Amini keeps it out.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flighted ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and chips it towards deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, A full toss on middle, Charles Amini works it to mid-wicket. End of the Powerplay, Papua New Guinea are 40/2.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! Nicely played! Shorish delivery, around off. Charles Amini goes on the back foot and whacks it across the line towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! BANG! Length ball, on middle and leg. Charles Amini charges down the track and flicks it off the wrists over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Fuller, on middle. Assad Vala chips it to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Assad Vala nudges it to the fine leg region for a brace.Â
A change from both ends now. Mohammad Nadeem comes into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Good-length ball on leg, Charles Amini looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. He gits hit on the pads and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, NOT ! Tossed up delivery on leg, the ball stays a little low. Vala makes room for himself and looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. Oman appeal for stumping and Kumar Dharmasena decides to take it upstairs. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Assad Vala has his feet dragged back in the crease.Â
The umpires have gone upstairs for a stumping appeal. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved. The replay shows that the boot never left the batting crease and it's NOT on the big screen.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on middle. Assad Vala nudges it to mid-wicket.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on middle. Vala rocks back and works it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Floats it up, on middle. Vala tucks it on the leg side.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on middle, Charles Amini steps out to hoick but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards short fine leg and the batters sneak a single.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, ! Loopy ball on off, Charles Amini goes on the back foot and knocks it towards mid off. The fielder there misfields and concedes a boundary.Â
Here comes the first bowling change. Aqib Ilyas comes into the attack now.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Another slower one, on off. Assad Vala makes room for himself and smashes it straight towards covers. Good comeback from Kaleemullah after getting hit for a couple of boundaries.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Slower delivery outside off, Assad Vala looks to hit it on the leg side but gets beaten by the lack of pace.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! The skipper is leading the way! Vala advances down the track, picks the full delivery on the full toss, and whacks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! That would settle the nerves a bit! Length ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and creams it through covers. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash. Little bit of momentum building for Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, On a good length, around off, shaping back in. Assad Vala looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the ouside edge.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Good-length ball, outside off. Assad Vala charges down the track and looks to heave it away but misses.Â
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! A boundary to end the over! Good-length ball on off, Amini uses his feet and then lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! The first slip fielder was removed and it costs Oman! Full outside off, Amini looks to drive but gets an outside edge, runs to third man for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, A direct hit would have been close! Length ball outside off, Vala chops it to backward point and takes off for a single. Ilyas collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Replay shows that had that hit the stumps, Vala would have been a goner.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Full ball outside off, Vala drives it to cover.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Good-length ball on the pads, Vala looks to flick but it brushes the pads and it goes to the keeper.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, LEG BYE! Full on the pads, Amini looks to flick but it goes off the pads to square leg. A leg bye pinched.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Amini and Papua New Guinea are underway! Good-length ball on off, Amini looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls to the leg side. A single to end another successful over for Oman.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full on middle, Amini uses his feet and then works it back to the bowler.
Charles Amini is the new batter in.Â
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full and outside off, Amini leaves it alone.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, ! CHOPPED ON! Another wicket and Oman are off to a wonderful start. Papua New Guinea did not need this at all. Poor start for them. Kaleemullah dishes a short ball on off, Siaka rocks back and then looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and uproots the middle stump. 0 for 2 are Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, Full on middle, Siaka defends it to cover.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, PLAY AND A MISS! Kaleemullah starts with a full ball outside off, Siaka looks to drive but fails to get anything on it.
Kaleemullah to steam in from the opposite end.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Excellent first over from Bilal Khan! Full ball on middle, Vala looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A wicket-maiden from Khan.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, ! DRAGGED ON! Perfect start from Oman! A wicket in the first over! Brilliant from Oman. Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to drive but does not move his feet at all. It takes the inside edge and it hits the stumps. Oman have got a perfect start.
The skipper, Assad Vala walks out to bat at No.3.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Full on middle, Ura flicks it to mid-wicket.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Nicely bowled! On a length on middle, Ura works it to mid on.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Play and a miss! Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to cut but fails to put bat on ball.Â
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Khan starts nicely here! He bowls a good-length ball on off, it comes in. Ura defends it to mid off.
We will begin the proceedings with the National Anthems! First up is the National Anthem of Papua New Guinea, followed by Oman's.
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison is there for the pitch report. He says that the boundaries are short. Adds that it is nice and flat. Anjum Chopra joins him and she says that it will be a batter's pitch. States that grass has been taken off and the batters need to win it for the teams.
Assad Vala, the skipper of Papua New Guinea, says that it looks like a really good wicket and they would have bowled first as well but will look to put on a good score. Adds that they will play with flair and play the way they do. Also adds that they've got a pretty good all-round team and names a few key players to look out for.
Zeeshan Maqsood, the Oman skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the pitch looks dry and they have some spinners who can make use of it. States that the preparation has been good and the boys are confident. States that they have many players who are playing well and they will do well.Â
Oman (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Naseem Khushi (WK), Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan, Kashyap Prajapati.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
The scenes from the ground look spectacular as the opening ceremony takes place. It is an historic day for co-hosts Oman as an all-women marching band is seen leading the proceedings.
TOSS - Oman have won the toss and they elect to BOWL first.
... MATCH DAY ...
Hello and a warm welcome to the mega event, the T20 World Cup which will kick start with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea. The two sides played a couple of warm-up fixtures heading into this fixture. Oman won one out of those two while Papua New Guinea lost both their warm-up fixtures. Both sides have some impactful players who will be determined to put up a spirited show at the big platform. Both teams would look to start their campaigns on a victorious note in their bid to qualify for Super 12.
Oman has been one of the Asian teams who have risen through the ranks. This is their second T20 World Cup appearance. They appeared in the 2016 edition as well and stamped their authority by defeating Ireland in one of the games. It also marks their first chance at hosting an ICC event. The fact that they are playing on home soil might just bring out the best in them.
Assad Vala-led Papua New Guinea have had the most amazing journey among all the teams in the tournament. Before heading to the start of the global qualifiers for the T20 World Cup, they had lost 8 matches. But they spun the wheel of fortune and turned the tables and how. They played out of their skin to end up in the final of the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers. They were the table-toppers of Group B which consisted of Scotland, Netherlands and Namibia and became the first team to qualify for thi
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.
5
Diabytes
Oman
131/0(13.4 Overs)
We are back for the chase! Both umpires stride out to the middle.Â
.... RUN CHASE ...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, on the pads. Nosaina Pokana goes on the back foot and works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Papua New Guinea end with 129/9!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, outside off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Right then! 130 to win for Oman! They will back themselves to chase this down. Papua New Guinea will need to bowl really well if they need to defend this score. An exciting run chase coming up. Do join us in a while.
Charles Amini is there for a chat. He says that he enjoyed his outing very much. Mentions that they were looking around 160 as it's a good wicket to bat on but they fell short. Tells that they made just a few silly errors and need to stop that. States that Oman bowlers were excellent. Adds that their journey has been amazing so far and says that they will have to bowl out of their skins if they are to defend the target.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Safe! Quicker and fuller, around off. Morea slices it agonisingly past the diving fielder at extra cover for a run.
Papua New Guinea's innings was all about Assad Vala and Charles Amini. After losing two wickets for 0 runs, Vala and Amini played brilliantly and put Papua New Guinea in a very good position. But Amini's run out changed things as none of the other batters could get going and they suffered a massive collapse. Vala played superbly for his 56Â but he needed to stay till the end. Overall, they have ended with a below-par score on the board.
Oman were simply terrific with the ball! Bilala Khan started it all, picking up a wicket in the first over and Kaleemullah continued the good work in the second. But there was some dull time after that for them as they failed to pick up wickets and also gave away some quick runs and they looked in trouble. Once they got Charles Amini run out, Oman came back well as they kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Zeeshan Maqsood was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets. They would ba
An excellent bowling performance from Oman! They were terrific and have put themselves in a very good position to win the first game of the tournament. Papua New Guinea looked good until the 12th over but then they collapsed and have finished with a below-par score.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, A touch short and around off. Nosaina Pokana pulls it to wide long on for another one.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Flighted ball, on off. Morea heaves it down the ground for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Tossed up, on off and this is chipped towards long off for a single.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Just 4 off the penultimate over. Full and on off, driven down the ground for a run.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, A slower bouncer this time, outside off. Nosaina Pokana leaves it alone.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, A length ball, on middle and leg. Morea works it on the leg side for one.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Back of a length, on leg. Pokana clips it down to fine leg for a single.Â
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Full and wide, driven through extra cover for a single.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Good-length ball, on off and tapped towards cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter one, around off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Slower delivery, on middle. Pokana inside edges it onto the pads.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, WIDE! Fired down the leg side. Wided!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, On middle, Nosaina Pokana pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, On the pads and flicked through square leg for a run.
Nosaina Pokana is the last batsman for Papua New Guinea to walk out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, ! CAUGHT! That's the fourth wicket now for the skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood. Flighted ball, on off stump. Damien Ravu looks to go downtown and gets a decent connection on it. Ravu however, doesn't get much elevation and Mohammad Nadeem leaps up at the long on fence to take an excellent catch.
Kabua Morea is the new batter in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Tossed up, on middle. Kabua Morea pushes it down to long on for one.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, ! CAUGHT! That's the eight down and Oman are on top right now. Bilal Khan bangs in another short one, on middle and going across the left-hander. Simon Atai looks to pull but gets it off the splice off the bat and towards mid-wicket. Ayaan Khan over there, jumps to his left and takes a very good catch.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, A length ball, on the stumps. Simon Atai paddles it fine and picks up a brace.
Aqib Ilyas seems to have hurt himself on the wrists while attempting the catch. The physios are out to attend him. He is walking off the field now. Let's hope there is nothing serious.Â
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Safe! Another short one and Damien Ravu looks to go after it. Ravu ends up getting a top edge and the ball is skied towards short third man. The fielder from inisde the ring runs back and puts in an excellent dive but just can't grab it. They get a single.
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Khan bangs in a short one and Ravu ducks under it.
Bilal Khan comes back into the attack. His figures read 2-1-9-1, so far.Â
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, LEG BYE! Bilal Khan sees Simon Atai charging down the track and fires in a full one. Atai misses and the ball goes off the pads on the off side. They get a leg bye.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, Back of a length, on off. Atai looks to slash but misses.
We are all set to begin! Papua New Guinea players can be seen taking a knee before they step into the ground. Tony Ura and Lega Siaka are the openers for Papua New Guinea. Bilal Khan to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, Nicely flighted and Damien Ravu looks to flicks it on the leg side. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads. A slight appeal but turned down.
The new batsman in is Damien Ravu.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, ! CAUGHT! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood is ripping through the batting of Papua New Guinea. On off and angling across. Kiplin Doriga looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. The ball takes a leading edge and goes to Sandeep Goud at cover-point. Another soft dismissal for Papua New Guinea and they are in deep trouble now.
Kiplin Doriga walks out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, Fullish ball, outside off. Doriga pushes it to cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, ! CAUGHT! The wickets just keep tumbling for Papua New Guinea. Sese Bau pre-meditates and pays the price. Zeeshan Maqsood fires this one in quicker and fuller. Bau looks to revere-sweep but hits it straight down the throat of Jatinder Singh at short third man, who makes no mistake and Sese Bau has to depart as well.
Simon Atai is the new batsman in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Simon Atai, Shortish ball, Atai flicks it on the leg side off the back foot for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Norman Vanua, ! Cleaned up! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood with a ripper of a delivery and Norman Vanua doesn't know what hit him. This is quicker and very full, on off stump. The ball is angled in but straightens in the end. Vanua looks to nudge it on the leg side and ends up playing all around a straight delivery. The ball crashes into off stump and Vanua has to walk back early.
Zeeshan Maqsood (1-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Back-to-back boundaries! Back of a length, on leg. Sese Bau swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Vala turns it to square leg for one.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Well played! Another slower delivery, on middle. Sese Bau hits it straight down the ground towards long on for a boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Norman Vanua, Slower ball, on middle. Vanua glances it to square leg for a run.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Kaleemullah shortens the length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it towards covers for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Short of a length, on off. Sese Bau looks to cut but misses.Â
Norman Vanua is the new man in.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! CAUGHT! Kaleemullah gets rid of the big fish. Good-length ball, on off. Assad Vala looks to go big on the leg side. He closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge. The ball goes high up in the air towards long on. Jatinder Singh runs to his right and reverse cups the catch. He celebrates the wicket Shikhar Dhawan style, which is a thigh slap. End of an excellent knock from Assad Vala.
Kaleemullah (2-0-9-1) comes back into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On middle, Vala works it to deep square leg. He crosses ends.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau makes room for himself and punches it to long off for a single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it off the back foot towards backward point. The fielder dives to his right and gets a hand onto it. The ball rolls towards third man. The batters take a couple of runs. Good running between the wickets!Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Good-length ball, on off. Bau charges down the track and drives it towards covers.Â
Oman have taken the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's clear gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside leg stump and the onfield decision of NOT stays. Oman also lose their review.
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, NOT ! Length ball on middle and leg, Sese Bau looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets rapped on the front pad. Mohammad Nadeem puts in a huge shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The ball rolls on the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. Oman opt for a review. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside leg. Oman lose their review and Sese Bau survives.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Dispatched! Loopy ball, on off. Assad Vala clobbers it straight down the ground over long off for a biggie. He gets to his fifty in style as well. What a knock he has been playing. Sensational batting.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Cracking shot! Short and outside off, Assad Vala rocks back and smashes it through extra cover for a boundary. That went like a tracer bullet.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Floats it up, outside off. Sese Bau cuts it through covers for a single.Â
There's a bit of a collision between the bowler, Zeeshan Maqsood and the non-striker, Assad Vala. Vala seems to be hit on the knee and is in some pain. The physio is out and having a look. Everything seems fine now and we are ready to continue.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Outside off again, Sese Bau rocks back and looks to slap it through coves but fails to get any bat on it again.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter delivery, outside off. Sese Bau looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter and quicker, on off. Sese Bau pats it towards the right of the bowler. Zeeshan Maqsood dives that side and crashes on to Assad Vala on the way. Vala looks to be in some pain.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood comes in to replace Aqib Ilyas (4-0-28-0).
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Full and on off, Vala drills it to mid off.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, MISFIELD AND ! Lenth ball on leg, Assad Vala tickles it towards short fine leg. The fielder there misfields and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.Â
Sese Bau comes in at number 5.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Back of a length, on off. Vala taps it towards covers.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, ! RUN OUT! Oman get the much-needed breakthrough. That is a big wicket. Mohammad Nadeem bowls a length ball, on leg. Assad Vala prods and looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets hit on the body. Charles Amini tries to take a quick leg bye but Assad Vala sends him back. Amini is already halfway down the track though. Mohammad Nadeem picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Charles Amini is nowhere in the frame and ha
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Back of a length, on off. Amini works it towards mid off for a quick single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Fuller in length, on off. Charles Amini digs it out from the crease.Â
Mohammad Nadeem (1-0-13-0) is back into the attack.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, ! BAM! Short and on middle, Assad Vala rocks back and launches this one over deep mid-wicket handsomely for a biggie. Clean strike! Vala also moves onto 40 with that maximum.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Full and outside off, pushed towards covers.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Floats it up, outside off. Amini steers it through covers for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on the pads. Vala flicks it to square leg for a run.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on off, Charles Amini presses forward and nudges it to mid-wicket for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on off. Vala works it to long on for a single.
DRINKS! After losing two wickets with nothing on the board, Assad Vala and Charles Amini have done well to recover and are buillding a good partnership. Oman would look to scalp wickets again and break this partnership.Â
Oman have opted for a review. It's for an LBW and Assad Vala is the man in question. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows umpire's call on wickets hitting. The original decision stays.Â
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On the leg stump again and Vala gets it through square leg for a single.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On the pads and swept away to deep backward square leg for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Tossed up, around off. Vala goes inside out and picks up a single down to sweeper cover.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, NOT ! A slower length ball, on middle. Assad Vala goes down on one knee and looks to swing across the line. Vala misses the ball completely and the ball flicks the pad. The ball goes towards third man and they get a couple of leg byes. Oman however, take the review and it's a close one. The Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on hitting.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Attempted short ball, on off. Charles Amini rocks back and and pulls it down to long on for a single. The fielder fumbles but collects it quickly, keeping it to one.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flatter one, angled in on leg stump. Vala flicks it off the back foot and the ball goes through backward square leg. They pick up a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Shortish ball, on middle. Amini eases it down the ground and rotates the strike.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Quicker one, on off and skidding in. Vala gets an inside edge down to short fine leg for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, On off and this is beautifully timed but straight to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Shorter in length, around off. Vala thumps it down to long on for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, On off and patted back to the bowler.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, A length ball, outside off. Vala cuts it through backward point for a run. These two are motoring along now.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Slower and shorter this time, outside off. Assad Vala makes room and gets it behind point. They race back for the second. Excellent running.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Short and wide, slapped through cover-point for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Fullish ball, on middle. Vala swipes across the line and picks up a single towards deep mid-wicket.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, ! Dragged down, on middle, a nothing delivery to be honest. Assad Vala rocks back and muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 50 up for Papua New Guinea!
Khawar Ali comes into the attack now.Â
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On middle and worked on the leg side for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A round arm delivery to end the over. This one is worked through square leg for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Close! Slower through the air this time from Aqib Ilyas. Assad Vala looks to push it down the ground but chips it and the bowler dives at full stretch to his left. Ilyas can't reach it and they get a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Flatter delivery, angled into middle and leg. Amini flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A touch short, on off. Charles Amini nudges it off the back foot through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles and they race back for the second.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Quicker delivery, on the off stump. Amini keeps it out.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flighted ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and chips it towards deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, A full toss on middle, Charles Amini works it to mid-wicket. End of the Powerplay, Papua New Guinea are 40/2.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! Nicely played! Shorish delivery, around off. Charles Amini goes on the back foot and whacks it across the line towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! BANG! Length ball, on middle and leg. Charles Amini charges down the track and flicks it off the wrists over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Fuller, on middle. Assad Vala chips it to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Assad Vala nudges it to the fine leg region for a brace.Â
A change from both ends now. Mohammad Nadeem comes into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Good-length ball on leg, Charles Amini looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. He gits hit on the pads and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, NOT ! Tossed up delivery on leg, the ball stays a little low. Vala makes room for himself and looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. Oman appeal for stumping and Kumar Dharmasena decides to take it upstairs. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Assad Vala has his feet dragged back in the crease.Â
The umpires have gone upstairs for a stumping appeal. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved. The replay shows that the boot never left the batting crease and it's NOT on the big screen.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on middle. Assad Vala nudges it to mid-wicket.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on middle. Vala rocks back and works it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Floats it up, on middle. Vala tucks it on the leg side.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on middle, Charles Amini steps out to hoick but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards short fine leg and the batters sneak a single.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, ! Loopy ball on off, Charles Amini goes on the back foot and knocks it towards mid off. The fielder there misfields and concedes a boundary.Â
Here comes the first bowling change. Aqib Ilyas comes into the attack now.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Another slower one, on off. Assad Vala makes room for himself and smashes it straight towards covers. Good comeback from Kaleemullah after getting hit for a couple of boundaries.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Slower delivery outside off, Assad Vala looks to hit it on the leg side but gets beaten by the lack of pace.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! The skipper is leading the way! Vala advances down the track, picks the full delivery on the full toss, and whacks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! That would settle the nerves a bit! Length ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and creams it through covers. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash. Little bit of momentum building for Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, On a good length, around off, shaping back in. Assad Vala looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the ouside edge.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Good-length ball, outside off. Assad Vala charges down the track and looks to heave it away but misses.Â
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! A boundary to end the over! Good-length ball on off, Amini uses his feet and then lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! The first slip fielder was removed and it costs Oman! Full outside off, Amini looks to drive but gets an outside edge, runs to third man for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, A direct hit would have been close! Length ball outside off, Vala chops it to backward point and takes off for a single. Ilyas collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Replay shows that had that hit the stumps, Vala would have been a goner.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Full ball outside off, Vala drives it to cover.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Good-length ball on the pads, Vala looks to flick but it brushes the pads and it goes to the keeper.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, LEG BYE! Full on the pads, Amini looks to flick but it goes off the pads to square leg. A leg bye pinched.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Amini and Papua New Guinea are underway! Good-length ball on off, Amini looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls to the leg side. A single to end another successful over for Oman.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full on middle, Amini uses his feet and then works it back to the bowler.
Charles Amini is the new batter in.Â
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full and outside off, Amini leaves it alone.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, ! CHOPPED ON! Another wicket and Oman are off to a wonderful start. Papua New Guinea did not need this at all. Poor start for them. Kaleemullah dishes a short ball on off, Siaka rocks back and then looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and uproots the middle stump. 0 for 2 are Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, Full on middle, Siaka defends it to cover.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, PLAY AND A MISS! Kaleemullah starts with a full ball outside off, Siaka looks to drive but fails to get anything on it.
Kaleemullah to steam in from the opposite end.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Excellent first over from Bilal Khan! Full ball on middle, Vala looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A wicket-maiden from Khan.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, ! DRAGGED ON! Perfect start from Oman! A wicket in the first over! Brilliant from Oman. Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to drive but does not move his feet at all. It takes the inside edge and it hits the stumps. Oman have got a perfect start.
The skipper, Assad Vala walks out to bat at No.3.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Full on middle, Ura flicks it to mid-wicket.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Nicely bowled! On a length on middle, Ura works it to mid on.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Play and a miss! Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to cut but fails to put bat on ball.Â
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Khan starts nicely here! He bowls a good-length ball on off, it comes in. Ura defends it to mid off.
We will begin the proceedings with the National Anthems! First up is the National Anthem of Papua New Guinea, followed by Oman's.
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison is there for the pitch report. He says that the boundaries are short. Adds that it is nice and flat. Anjum Chopra joins him and she says that it will be a batter's pitch. States that grass has been taken off and the batters need to win it for the teams.
Assad Vala, the skipper of Papua New Guinea, says that it looks like a really good wicket and they would have bowled first as well but will look to put on a good score. Adds that they will play with flair and play the way they do. Also adds that they've got a pretty good all-round team and names a few key players to look out for.
Zeeshan Maqsood, the Oman skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the pitch looks dry and they have some spinners who can make use of it. States that the preparation has been good and the boys are confident. States that they have many players who are playing well and they will do well.Â
Oman (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Naseem Khushi (WK), Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan, Kashyap Prajapati.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
The scenes from the ground look spectacular as the opening ceremony takes place. It is an historic day for co-hosts Oman as an all-women marching band is seen leading the proceedings.
TOSS - Oman have won the toss and they elect to BOWL first.
... MATCH DAY ...
Hello and a warm welcome to the mega event, the T20 World Cup which will kick start with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea. The two sides played a couple of warm-up fixtures heading into this fixture. Oman won one out of those two while Papua New Guinea lost both their warm-up fixtures. Both sides have some impactful players who will be determined to put up a spirited show at the big platform. Both teams would look to start their campaigns on a victorious note in their bid to qualify for Super 12.
Oman has been one of the Asian teams who have risen through the ranks. This is their second T20 World Cup appearance. They appeared in the 2016 edition as well and stamped their authority by defeating Ireland in one of the games. It also marks their first chance at hosting an ICC event. The fact that they are playing on home soil might just bring out the best in them.
Assad Vala-led Papua New Guinea have had the most amazing journey among all the teams in the tournament. Before heading to the start of the global qualifiers for the T20 World Cup, they had lost 8 matches. But they spun the wheel of fortune and turned the tables and how. They played out of their skin to end up in the final of the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers. They were the table-toppers of Group B which consisted of Scotland, Netherlands and Namibia and became the first team to qualify for thi
We are back for the chase! Both umpires stride out to the middle.Â
.... RUN CHASE ...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, on the pads. Nosaina Pokana goes on the back foot and works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Papua New Guinea end with 129/9!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter delivery, outside off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Right then! 130 to win for Oman! They will back themselves to chase this down. Papua New Guinea will need to bowl really well if they need to defend this score. An exciting run chase coming up. Do join us in a while.
Charles Amini is there for a chat. He says that he enjoyed his outing very much. Mentions that they were looking around 160 as it's a good wicket to bat on but they fell short. Tells that they made just a few silly errors and need to stop that. States that Oman bowlers were excellent. Adds that their journey has been amazing so far and says that they will have to bowl out of their skins if they are to defend the target.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Safe! Quicker and fuller, around off. Morea slices it agonisingly past the diving fielder at extra cover for a run.
Papua New Guinea's innings was all about Assad Vala and Charles Amini. After losing two wickets for 0 runs, Vala and Amini played brilliantly and put Papua New Guinea in a very good position. But Amini's run out changed things as none of the other batters could get going and they suffered a massive collapse. Vala played superbly for his 56Â but he needed to stay till the end. Overall, they have ended with a below-par score on the board.
Oman were simply terrific with the ball! Bilala Khan started it all, picking up a wicket in the first over and Kaleemullah continued the good work in the second. But there was some dull time after that for them as they failed to pick up wickets and also gave away some quick runs and they looked in trouble. Once they got Charles Amini run out, Oman came back well as they kept on picking wickets at regular intervals. Zeeshan Maqsood was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets. They would ba
An excellent bowling performance from Oman! They were terrific and have put themselves in a very good position to win the first game of the tournament. Papua New Guinea looked good until the 12th over but then they collapsed and have finished with a below-par score.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, A touch short and around off. Nosaina Pokana pulls it to wide long on for another one.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Flighted ball, on off. Morea heaves it down the ground for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Tossed up, on off and this is chipped towards long off for a single.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Just 4 off the penultimate over. Full and on off, driven down the ground for a run.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, A slower bouncer this time, outside off. Nosaina Pokana leaves it alone.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, A length ball, on middle and leg. Morea works it on the leg side for one.
Bilal Khan to Nosaina Pokana, Back of a length, on leg. Pokana clips it down to fine leg for a single.Â
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Full and wide, driven through extra cover for a single.
Bilal Khan to Kabua Morea, Good-length ball, on off and tapped towards cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Flatter one, around off. Nosaina Pokana looks to cut but misses.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, Slower delivery, on middle. Pokana inside edges it onto the pads.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, WIDE! Fired down the leg side. Wided!
Zeeshan Maqsood to Nosaina Pokana, On middle, Nosaina Pokana pushes it back to the bowler.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, On the pads and flicked through square leg for a run.
Nosaina Pokana is the last batsman for Papua New Guinea to walk out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, ! CAUGHT! That's the fourth wicket now for the skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood. Flighted ball, on off stump. Damien Ravu looks to go downtown and gets a decent connection on it. Ravu however, doesn't get much elevation and Mohammad Nadeem leaps up at the long on fence to take an excellent catch.
Kabua Morea is the new batter in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kabua Morea, Tossed up, on middle. Kabua Morea pushes it down to long on for one.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, ! CAUGHT! That's the eight down and Oman are on top right now. Bilal Khan bangs in another short one, on middle and going across the left-hander. Simon Atai looks to pull but gets it off the splice off the bat and towards mid-wicket. Ayaan Khan over there, jumps to his left and takes a very good catch.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, A length ball, on the stumps. Simon Atai paddles it fine and picks up a brace.
Aqib Ilyas seems to have hurt himself on the wrists while attempting the catch. The physios are out to attend him. He is walking off the field now. Let's hope there is nothing serious.Â
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Safe! Another short one and Damien Ravu looks to go after it. Ravu ends up getting a top edge and the ball is skied towards short third man. The fielder from inisde the ring runs back and puts in an excellent dive but just can't grab it. They get a single.
Bilal Khan to Damien Ravu, Khan bangs in a short one and Ravu ducks under it.
Bilal Khan comes back into the attack. His figures read 2-1-9-1, so far.Â
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, LEG BYE! Bilal Khan sees Simon Atai charging down the track and fires in a full one. Atai misses and the ball goes off the pads on the off side. They get a leg bye.
Bilal Khan to Simon Atai, Back of a length, on off. Atai looks to slash but misses.
We are all set to begin! Papua New Guinea players can be seen taking a knee before they step into the ground. Tony Ura and Lega Siaka are the openers for Papua New Guinea. Bilal Khan to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
Zeeshan Maqsood to Damien Ravu, Nicely flighted and Damien Ravu looks to flicks it on the leg side. He misses and the ball hits him on the pads. A slight appeal but turned down.
The new batsman in is Damien Ravu.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, ! CAUGHT! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood is ripping through the batting of Papua New Guinea. On off and angling across. Kiplin Doriga looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. The ball takes a leading edge and goes to Sandeep Goud at cover-point. Another soft dismissal for Papua New Guinea and they are in deep trouble now.
Kiplin Doriga walks out to bat.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Kiplin Doriga, Fullish ball, outside off. Doriga pushes it to cover.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, ! CAUGHT! The wickets just keep tumbling for Papua New Guinea. Sese Bau pre-meditates and pays the price. Zeeshan Maqsood fires this one in quicker and fuller. Bau looks to revere-sweep but hits it straight down the throat of Jatinder Singh at short third man, who makes no mistake and Sese Bau has to depart as well.
Simon Atai is the new batsman in.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Simon Atai, Shortish ball, Atai flicks it on the leg side off the back foot for a single.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Norman Vanua, ! Cleaned up! The skipper, Zeeshan Maqsood with a ripper of a delivery and Norman Vanua doesn't know what hit him. This is quicker and very full, on off stump. The ball is angled in but straightens in the end. Vanua looks to nudge it on the leg side and ends up playing all around a straight delivery. The ball crashes into off stump and Vanua has to walk back early.
Zeeshan Maqsood (1-0-11-0) comes back into the attack.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Back-to-back boundaries! Back of a length, on leg. Sese Bau swivels and pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Vala turns it to square leg for one.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, ! Well played! Another slower delivery, on middle. Sese Bau hits it straight down the ground towards long on for a boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Norman Vanua, Slower ball, on middle. Vanua glances it to square leg for a run.
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Kaleemullah shortens the length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it towards covers for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.Â
Kaleemullah to Sese Bau, Short of a length, on off. Sese Bau looks to cut but misses.Â
Norman Vanua is the new man in.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! CAUGHT! Kaleemullah gets rid of the big fish. Good-length ball, on off. Assad Vala looks to go big on the leg side. He closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge. The ball goes high up in the air towards long on. Jatinder Singh runs to his right and reverse cups the catch. He celebrates the wicket Shikhar Dhawan style, which is a thigh slap. End of an excellent knock from Assad Vala.
Kaleemullah (2-0-9-1) comes back into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On middle, Vala works it to deep square leg. He crosses ends.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau makes room for himself and punches it to long off for a single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Back of a length, outside off. Sese Bau punches it off the back foot towards backward point. The fielder dives to his right and gets a hand onto it. The ball rolls towards third man. The batters take a couple of runs. Good running between the wickets!Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, Good-length ball, on off. Bau charges down the track and drives it towards covers.Â
Oman have taken the review for an LBW decision. UltraEdge shows that there's clear gap between bat and ball. Ball Tracking shows that the ball pitched outside leg stump and the onfield decision of NOT stays. Oman also lose their review.
Mohammad Nadeem to Sese Bau, NOT ! Length ball on middle and leg, Sese Bau looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets rapped on the front pad. Mohammad Nadeem puts in a huge shout for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The ball rolls on the leg side and the batters take a leg bye. Oman opt for a review. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside leg. Oman lose their review and Sese Bau survives.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Dispatched! Loopy ball, on off. Assad Vala clobbers it straight down the ground over long off for a biggie. He gets to his fifty in style as well. What a knock he has been playing. Sensational batting.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Assad Vala, ! Cracking shot! Short and outside off, Assad Vala rocks back and smashes it through extra cover for a boundary. That went like a tracer bullet.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Floats it up, outside off. Sese Bau cuts it through covers for a single.Â
There's a bit of a collision between the bowler, Zeeshan Maqsood and the non-striker, Assad Vala. Vala seems to be hit on the knee and is in some pain. The physio is out and having a look. Everything seems fine now and we are ready to continue.
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Outside off again, Sese Bau rocks back and looks to slap it through coves but fails to get any bat on it again.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter delivery, outside off. Sese Bau looks to cut it away but misses.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood to Sese Bau, Flatter and quicker, on off. Sese Bau pats it towards the right of the bowler. Zeeshan Maqsood dives that side and crashes on to Assad Vala on the way. Vala looks to be in some pain.Â
Zeeshan Maqsood comes in to replace Aqib Ilyas (4-0-28-0).
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Full and on off, Vala drills it to mid off.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, MISFIELD AND ! Lenth ball on leg, Assad Vala tickles it towards short fine leg. The fielder there misfields and the ball races away to the fine leg fence.Â
Sese Bau comes in at number 5.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Back of a length, on off. Vala taps it towards covers.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, ! RUN OUT! Oman get the much-needed breakthrough. That is a big wicket. Mohammad Nadeem bowls a length ball, on leg. Assad Vala prods and looks to work it on the leg side but misses. He gets hit on the body. Charles Amini tries to take a quick leg bye but Assad Vala sends him back. Amini is already halfway down the track though. Mohammad Nadeem picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. Charles Amini is nowhere in the frame and ha
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Back of a length, on off. Amini works it towards mid off for a quick single.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Fuller in length, on off. Charles Amini digs it out from the crease.Â
Mohammad Nadeem (1-0-13-0) is back into the attack.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, ! BAM! Short and on middle, Assad Vala rocks back and launches this one over deep mid-wicket handsomely for a biggie. Clean strike! Vala also moves onto 40 with that maximum.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Full and outside off, pushed towards covers.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Floats it up, outside off. Amini steers it through covers for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on the pads. Vala flicks it to square leg for a run.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on off, Charles Amini presses forward and nudges it to mid-wicket for one.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on off. Vala works it to long on for a single.
DRINKS! After losing two wickets with nothing on the board, Assad Vala and Charles Amini have done well to recover and are buillding a good partnership. Oman would look to scalp wickets again and break this partnership.Â
Oman have opted for a review. It's for an LBW and Assad Vala is the man in question. UltraEdge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows umpire's call on wickets hitting. The original decision stays.Â
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On the leg stump again and Vala gets it through square leg for a single.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On the pads and swept away to deep backward square leg for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Tossed up, around off. Vala goes inside out and picks up a single down to sweeper cover.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, NOT ! A slower length ball, on middle. Assad Vala goes down on one knee and looks to swing across the line. Vala misses the ball completely and the ball flicks the pad. The ball goes towards third man and they get a couple of leg byes. Oman however, take the review and it's a close one. The Ball Tracker shows umpire's call on hitting.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Attempted short ball, on off. Charles Amini rocks back and and pulls it down to long on for a single. The fielder fumbles but collects it quickly, keeping it to one.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, On middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flatter one, angled in on leg stump. Vala flicks it off the back foot and the ball goes through backward square leg. They pick up a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Shortish ball, on middle. Amini eases it down the ground and rotates the strike.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Quicker one, on off and skidding in. Vala gets an inside edge down to short fine leg for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, On off and this is beautifully timed but straight to long on for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Shorter in length, around off. Vala thumps it down to long on for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, On off and patted back to the bowler.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, A length ball, outside off. Vala cuts it through backward point for a run. These two are motoring along now.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Slower and shorter this time, outside off. Assad Vala makes room and gets it behind point. They race back for the second. Excellent running.
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, Short and wide, slapped through cover-point for a run.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, Fullish ball, on middle. Vala swipes across the line and picks up a single towards deep mid-wicket.
Khawar Ali to Assad Vala, ! Dragged down, on middle, a nothing delivery to be honest. Assad Vala rocks back and muscles it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 50 up for Papua New Guinea!
Khawar Ali comes into the attack now.Â
Khawar Ali to Charles Amini, On middle and worked on the leg side for a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A round arm delivery to end the over. This one is worked through square leg for one.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Close! Slower through the air this time from Aqib Ilyas. Assad Vala looks to push it down the ground but chips it and the bowler dives at full stretch to his left. Ilyas can't reach it and they get a single.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Flatter delivery, angled into middle and leg. Amini flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, A touch short, on off. Charles Amini nudges it off the back foot through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep fumbles and they race back for the second.
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Quicker delivery, on the off stump. Amini keeps it out.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Flighted ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and chips it towards deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, A full toss on middle, Charles Amini works it to mid-wicket. End of the Powerplay, Papua New Guinea are 40/2.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! Nicely played! Shorish delivery, around off. Charles Amini goes on the back foot and whacks it across the line towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, ! BANG! Length ball, on middle and leg. Charles Amini charges down the track and flicks it off the wrists over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.Â
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, Fuller, on middle. Assad Vala chips it to mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nadeem to Assad Vala, On the pads, Assad Vala nudges it to the fine leg region for a brace.Â
A change from both ends now. Mohammad Nadeem comes into the attack.
Mohammad Nadeem to Charles Amini, Good-length ball on leg, Charles Amini looks to tuck it on the leg side but misses. He gits hit on the pads and the batters take a leg bye.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, NOT ! Tossed up delivery on leg, the ball stays a little low. Vala makes room for himself and looks to heave it over mid-wicket but misses. The keeper collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. Oman appeal for stumping and Kumar Dharmasena decides to take it upstairs. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and Assad Vala has his feet dragged back in the crease.Â
The umpires have gone upstairs for a stumping appeal. UltraEdge shows that there's no bat involved. The replay shows that the boot never left the batting crease and it's NOT on the big screen.
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Loopy ball, on middle. Assad Vala nudges it to mid-wicket.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Tosses it up, on middle. Vala rocks back and works it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Assad Vala, Floats it up, on middle. Vala tucks it on the leg side.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, Full and on middle, Charles Amini steps out to hoick but gets an inside edge. The ball rolls towards short fine leg and the batters sneak a single.Â
Aqib Ilyas to Charles Amini, ! Loopy ball on off, Charles Amini goes on the back foot and knocks it towards mid off. The fielder there misfields and concedes a boundary.Â
Here comes the first bowling change. Aqib Ilyas comes into the attack now.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Another slower one, on off. Assad Vala makes room for himself and smashes it straight towards covers. Good comeback from Kaleemullah after getting hit for a couple of boundaries.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Slower delivery outside off, Assad Vala looks to hit it on the leg side but gets beaten by the lack of pace.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! The skipper is leading the way! Vala advances down the track, picks the full delivery on the full toss, and whacks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, ! That would settle the nerves a bit! Length ball, on middle. Assad Vala dances down the track and creams it through covers. The ball races away to the boundary in a flash. Little bit of momentum building for Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, On a good length, around off, shaping back in. Assad Vala looks to defend but misses. The ball zips past the ouside edge.Â
Kaleemullah to Assad Vala, Good-length ball, outside off. Assad Vala charges down the track and looks to heave it away but misses.Â
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! A boundary to end the over! Good-length ball on off, Amini uses his feet and then lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, ! The first slip fielder was removed and it costs Oman! Full outside off, Amini looks to drive but gets an outside edge, runs to third man for a boundary.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, A direct hit would have been close! Length ball outside off, Vala chops it to backward point and takes off for a single. Ilyas collects and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Replay shows that had that hit the stumps, Vala would have been a goner.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Full ball outside off, Vala drives it to cover.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Good-length ball on the pads, Vala looks to flick but it brushes the pads and it goes to the keeper.
Bilal Khan to Charles Amini, LEG BYE! Full on the pads, Amini looks to flick but it goes off the pads to square leg. A leg bye pinched.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Amini and Papua New Guinea are underway! Good-length ball on off, Amini looks to defend but it takes the inside edge and rolls to the leg side. A single to end another successful over for Oman.
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full on middle, Amini uses his feet and then works it back to the bowler.
Charles Amini is the new batter in.Â
Kaleemullah to Charles Amini, Full and outside off, Amini leaves it alone.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, ! CHOPPED ON! Another wicket and Oman are off to a wonderful start. Papua New Guinea did not need this at all. Poor start for them. Kaleemullah dishes a short ball on off, Siaka rocks back and then looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and uproots the middle stump. 0 for 2 are Papua New Guinea.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, Full on middle, Siaka defends it to cover.
Kaleemullah to Lega Siaka, PLAY AND A MISS! Kaleemullah starts with a full ball outside off, Siaka looks to drive but fails to get anything on it.
Kaleemullah to steam in from the opposite end.
Bilal Khan to Assad Vala, Excellent first over from Bilal Khan! Full ball on middle, Vala looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. A wicket-maiden from Khan.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, ! DRAGGED ON! Perfect start from Oman! A wicket in the first over! Brilliant from Oman. Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to drive but does not move his feet at all. It takes the inside edge and it hits the stumps. Oman have got a perfect start.
The skipper, Assad Vala walks out to bat at No.3.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Full on middle, Ura flicks it to mid-wicket.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Nicely bowled! On a length on middle, Ura works it to mid on.
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Play and a miss! Good-length ball outside off, Ura looks to cut but fails to put bat on ball.Â
Bilal Khan to Tony Ura, Khan starts nicely here! He bowls a good-length ball on off, it comes in. Ura defends it to mid off.
We will begin the proceedings with the National Anthems! First up is the National Anthem of Papua New Guinea, followed by Oman's.
Pitch Report -Â Danny Morrison is there for the pitch report. He says that the boundaries are short. Adds that it is nice and flat. Anjum Chopra joins him and she says that it will be a batter's pitch. States that grass has been taken off and the batters need to win it for the teams.
Assad Vala, the skipper of Papua New Guinea, says that it looks like a really good wicket and they would have bowled first as well but will look to put on a good score. Adds that they will play with flair and play the way they do. Also adds that they've got a pretty good all-round team and names a few key players to look out for.
Zeeshan Maqsood, the Oman skipper, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the pitch looks dry and they have some spinners who can make use of it. States that the preparation has been good and the boys are confident. States that they have many players who are playing well and they will do well.Â
Oman (Playing XI) - Zeeshan Maqsood (C), Naseem Khushi (WK), Jatinder Singh, Khawar Ali, Aqib Ilyas, Mohammad Nadeem, Ayaan Khan, Sandeep Goud, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan, Kashyap Prajapati.
Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Simon Atai, Norman Vanua, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Damien Ravu, Kabua Morea, Nosaina Pokana.
The scenes from the ground look spectacular as the opening ceremony takes place. It is an historic day for co-hosts Oman as an all-women marching band is seen leading the proceedings.
TOSS - Oman have won the toss and they elect to BOWL first.
... MATCH DAY ...
Hello and a warm welcome to the mega event, the T20 World Cup which will kick start with Oman taking on Papua New Guinea. The two sides played a couple of warm-up fixtures heading into this fixture. Oman won one out of those two while Papua New Guinea lost both their warm-up fixtures. Both sides have some impactful players who will be determined to put up a spirited show at the big platform. Both teams would look to start their campaigns on a victorious note in their bid to qualify for Super 12.
Oman has been one of the Asian teams who have risen through the ranks. This is their second T20 World Cup appearance. They appeared in the 2016 edition as well and stamped their authority by defeating Ireland in one of the games. It also marks their first chance at hosting an ICC event. The fact that they are playing on home soil might just bring out the best in them.
Assad Vala-led Papua New Guinea have had the most amazing journey among all the teams in the tournament. Before heading to the start of the global qualifiers for the T20 World Cup, they had lost 8 matches. But they spun the wheel of fortune and turned the tables and how. They played out of their skin to end up in the final of the 2019 T20 World Cup qualifiers. They were the table-toppers of Group B which consisted of Scotland, Netherlands and Namibia and became the first team to qualify for thi