Loading…


Sri Lanka have started this T20 World Cup strongly with a win in their first match of Group B. They have shown a balanced performance with bat and ball. Their experience in subcontinental conditions and home support can play a vital role in this match. Playing at home gives them an advantage. They know the pitches. They know the conditions. The crowd supports them.
On the other hand, Oman suffered a heavy defeat against Zimbabwe in their first match. They are struggling to make a competitive score. This has put them under pressure early in the tournament as they try to keep their campaign alive. They need a win here to progress. Another defeat is likely to end their World Cup journey.
Based on superior experience and home conditions, the hosts will remain favourites on paper. But Oman’s combination of disciplined bowling and aggressive batting has shown time and again that they can be dangerous on their day. They have nothing to lose now. It makes them unpredictable.
| Format | Matches | SL Won | OMA Won | Draw | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| No. | Sri Lanka Player | Role | Oman Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dasun Shanaka (c) | Allrounder | Jatinder Singh (c) | Batter |
| 2 | Charith Asalanka | Batting allrounder | Aamir Kaleem | Middle-order batter |
| 3 | Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler | Hammad Mirza | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 4 | Dushan Hemantha | Allrounder | Jay Odedra | Bowling allrounder |
| 5 | Janith Liyanage | Batting allrounder | Mohammad Nadeem | Allrounder |
| 6 | Kamindu Mendis | Allrounder | Nadeem Khan | Allrounder |
| 7 | Kusal Mendis † | Wicketkeeper batter | Ashish Odedara | Middle-order batter |
| 8 | Kamil Mishara | Opening batter | Jiten Ramanandi | Bowler |
| 9 | Pathum Nissanka | Top-order batter | Shafiq Jan | Bowler |
| 10 | Matheesha Pathirana | Bowler | Shah Faisal | Bowler |
| 11 | Kusal Perera | Wicketkeeper batter | Shakeel Ahmed | Bowler |
| 12 | Pramod Madushan | Bowler | Vinayak Shukla | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 13 | Pavan Rathnayake | Top-order batter | Karan Sonavale | Batting allrounder |
| 14 | Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | Sufyan Mehmood | Bowler |
| 15 | Dunith Wellalage | Bowler | Wasim Ali | Batting allrounder |
Also Read: NEP vs ITA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Pitch Nature | Generally balanced surface |
| Batting Support | Good for stroke play once batters settle |
| New Ball Behaviour | Pacers extract bounce early |
| Spin Factor | Spinners effective in middle overs |
| Match Pattern | Competitive totals common |
| Average T20 Score Range | 160–180 |
| Toss Strategy | Bat first to apply scoreboard pressure |
| Safe/Defending Score | Around 170 |
Sri Lanka have a strong advantage in home conditions which cannot be underestimated in this match. They have an experienced batsman and a bowling resource which is varied in pace and spin. They have performed consistently in the opening matches of the tournament which has increased their confidence and pace.
Their concern is that they must avoid an early batting collapse against disciplined bowling. They struggle if they lose three wickets in the powerplay. The balance between pace and spin preferences is important on the Pallekele pitches which can change.
Key players to watch are Kusal Mendis who is a dynamic run scorer capable of explosive innings. Pathum Nissanka is a top order stabiliser who anchors the innings. Mathisha Pathirana and Mahish Thikshan are strike bowlers with mysterious variations.
Oman have emerging batting talent and attacking options that can score quickly. Their bowling unit is capable of striking with pace and spin as the situation demands. They are led by experienced players like captain Jatinder Singh who has played many international matches.
Their concern is inconsistent batting against high quality bowling which was seen in the opening loss to Zimbabwe. They need to perform better in the powerplay and middle overs to put up a competitive total. Their fielding needs to improve.
Key players to watch out for: Vinayak Shukla, who is a hard hitting batsman. Jatinder Singh, the captain and senior batsman who should lead by example. Sufiyan Mehmood and Mohammad Nadeem are dangerous bowlers who can take wickets early.
With batting conditions expected to be favourable in Pallekele in the morning sunshine, the captains may opt to bat first. This will allow them to put runs on the board and put pressure on the opposition team on the scoreboard. The fog is less pronounced in morning games which helps the bowlers to defend the total.
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 75% | Superior home advantage, form, and deeper squad. |
| Oman | 25% | Capable of resistance with disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. |
Cricbites Prediction: Sri Lanka are likely to win if they maintain the batting momentum and use both pace and spin effectively. Oman can pose a challenge if their main batsmen are aggressive and the bowlers strike early.
This Group B clash presents a great test between the experienced co-hosts and a strong associate nation. Sri Lanka will look to bolster their Super Eight hopes with a strong performance at home. Oman will need to bring some fearless cricket to stay alive in the tournament after their heavy opening defeat.
Expect tactical battles between the captains trying to outdo each other. Key encounters between batsmen and bowlers will decide the outcome. A thrilling encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium where home advantage benefits the stronger opponents.
Sri Lanka should win this match comfortably. They have the better players and home advantage. But Oman will fight hard. They need this win to keep their tournament hopes alive. They will attack with the first ball. Sri Lanka should counter that aggression and should not panic if Oman starts well. This match will test Sri Lanka’s composure against a team that has nothing to lose.
Continue Reading: ENG vs WI: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats
This preview and prediction is based on current tournament scenarios, team form, historical context and venue conditions. Cricket matches are unpredictable. The results of the toss, the behaviour of the pitch and individual performances on the day can significantly change the outcome. If Oman perform to their full potential, they can beat Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka will be heavy favourites but they will have to play well to win.
Sri Lanka’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Dasun Shanaka.
Oman’s captain in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is Jatinder Singh.
Sri Lanka will face Oman on 12 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM IST.
The Sri Lanka vs OMA T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.
This match is the 16th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Cricbites shares simple and clear cricket news for all fans. We cover match updates, player news, records and simple statistics. Our aim is to explain cricket in a simple way so that readers can understand quickly and enjoy every update without confusion.