Sri Lanka vs Oman Preview: Co-hosts Aim to Extend Winning Run
Sri Lanka takes on Oman in Pallekele, looking to build on their opening win despite Hasaranga's absence.
Sri Lanka and Oman face off in Group B of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This match marks the first-ever T20I encounter between the two nations.
Sri Lanka, fresh off a victory against Ireland, sits comfortably in the group standings but faces a significant blow with key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The co-hosts will look to their depth, particularly Maheesh Theekshana and the pace attack, to fill the void.
Oman, coming off a defeat to Zimbabwe, faces a must-win situation to keep their tournament hopes alive. Captain Jatinder Singh will need to lead from the front against a Sri Lankan side that is formidable at home.
Match Details: - Date: February 12, 2026 - Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy - Time: 11:00 AM Local Time
Key Players to Watch: - Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana - Oman: Jatinder Singh, Bilal Khan, Aqib Ilyas
Pitch Report: Pallekele is known to offer a balanced contest. Spinners are expected to play a crucial role, especially in the middle overs, while batters can score freely once set.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage, Sadeera Samarawickrama.
Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan, Kashyap Prajapati, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi (wk), Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah.
