‘Used to playing 130-140kph, not 150+’: Oman skipper Aqib Ilyas pinpoints reason for shambolic T20 World Cup loss against England | Parami News

Jos Buttler’s men battered Aqib Ilyas troop during Oman and England match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in T20 World Cup 2024 which took place on Thursday.

In his comment, the captain of Oman, Alyas, said that his team was beaten. He also said” We couldn’t do well with the bat. Top order couldn’t score runs throughout the tournament. It was good exposure but there wasn’t much we could do. With no runs on the board, the bowlers didn’t have a chance.”

He also pointed out how unfamiliar Omani batsmen were with English bowlers who were bowling at speeds of above 150 km/h.

“We’re used to playing bowlers that bowl in the 130-140kph range in associate cricket. So it’s difficult when once in a year you play against bowlers bowling 150+, there is something in your mind. It’s a different thing when you’re used to playing such bowlers,” added Ilyas.

Player mistakes were also attributed by Ilyas to pressure from not making enough runs earlier which led them into wrong selections at their shots while playing against England

“The batters were also under pressure having not got runs in the last few games. Unfortunately bad shot selection and they bowled in good areas. You can’t blame the bowlers for anything, throughout the tournament they’re the ones that did really well. Would have liked to finish on a great note,” further commented Oman skipper.

Opening partnership started modestly as Pratik Athavale and Kashyap Prajapati initiated innings but soon lost their wickets after England won toss and elected to field first.

Before completion of over number fourteen Shoaib Khan emerged as top scorer for Oman leading his side to attain forty seven (47) runs. The pick of England’s bowlers was Adil Rashid who captured four wickets for eleven runs in four overs.

After Salt was dismissed early, England’s openers, Philip Salt and Jos Buttler, started strongly and managed to accumulate some runs. With Jonny Bairstow accompanying him, Buttler continued the run rate as he guided his team to a quick victory within just four overs.