England’s prospects of defending their T20 World Cup title hang in the balance as they prepare to face Asian qualifiers Oman in a must-win encounter in Antigua on Thursday – read on for more T20 World Cup Tips. A 36-run defeat to Australia last Saturday was followed by a resounding Scotland victory over Oman to leave Jos Buttler’s men in a precarious situation in Group B.
To keep their campaign alive and progress to the Super Eights stage, England must secure victories in both of their remaining group matches. However, the task is further complicated by the need to overcome a significant net run-rate deficit to Scotland. With their backs against the wall, the defending champions will be looking to rediscover the form that propelled them to glory in the previous edition of the tournament and changes may be needed to find the right formula.
T20 World Cup Tips: England openers are a rare ray of light
England’s white-ball history is littered with upset defeats to associate nations and there is always the chance that Oman can write the next chapter in that book. But, realistically, the Three Lions should win at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground to finally breathe some life into their campaign.
Both Australia and Scotland strolled to victory against the Omanis, whose bowling attack looked short on class, while their batting line-up could do with more discipline. The Scots missed chances in the field to dismiss Oman’s two highest scorers. with one catching opportunity spilled for six that allowed Pratik Athavale to go on and reach his half-century before a missed stumping let Ayan Khan off the hook as he accelerated towards 41 not out.
Although Buttler’s side have failed to spark in either the bowling or batting departments so far, they remain excellent in the field and will surely take the chances that come their way in this crucial clash. Buttler and Phil Salt came into the tournament averaging an impressive 66.12 as an opening partnership in T20 international cricket and that will have risen slightly after they put on 73 for the first wicket on Saturday..
Therefore, it looks worth taking the better odds around England’s openers posting a higher stand than their Omani counterparts, rather than backing the Three Lions to win the match.
T20 World Cup Tips: England need more than a trickle of runs from Brook
England must also find a way to bring Harry Brook to the crease earlier. The gifted Yorkshireman walked out against Australia on Saturday with England requiring 77 off the last 35 deliveries and it was too late for him to spark an unlikely recovery.
The 25-year-old could be in line for a promotion up the batting order as Buttler looks to revive his ailing side and he may get an opportunity to shine on a track he exploited last winter. Brook made 71 off 72 balls and an unbeaten 43 off 49 at this ground as England split the first two games of a one-day series with the West Indies.
T20 World Cup Tips: Khan can rule the roost for Oman
Experienced Oman all-rounder Ayan Khan has been a consistent performer this year and can once more emerge as his side’s leading batter. Khan has steadied the ship on multiple occasions, remaining unbeaten on 41 against Scotland a few days after he top-scored with 36 against Australia.
T20 World Cup Tips: England v Oman
England – Team With Highest Score At 1st Dismissal @ 1.32 with kwiff
Harry Brook to be England Top Batter @ 6.50 with kwiff
Ayan Khan to be Oman Top Batter @ 8.75 with kwiff
By Simon Barlow
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