ASIA CUP CRICKET 2025: OMAN MAKES DEBUT Anything can happen in a fast-paced T20 game: Omani coach Duleep Mendis – By Lawrence Machado
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The former swashbuckling Lankan batsman has vast experience in the game and knows that in limited over cricket, anything can happen.
This is Oman’s maiden Asia Cup T20 campaign though they have competed in the past three T20 World Cup editions in 2016, 2021 and 2024, giving them invaluable experience of playing against the top guns in world cricket.
Mendis has been involved in Omani cricket for more than a decade, helping them to qualify for their first T20 World Cup. He has made a massive impact in his own unstated way and is enjoying his stint in this beautiful Arabian Gulf country, where thousands of Lankans have played cricket and worked for decades. There are also several Lankans involved in other sports like rugby union.
“It is real that we are participating in the Asia Cup – a major tournament and a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills on a global stage,” Mendis told ESPN Cricinfo. “Playing against teams like India and Pakistan is a moment to embrace for any cricketer. Anything can happen in a fast-paced T20 game, where one over of brilliance can change everything.
“Our build-up has been strong, with the ongoing National T20 tournament providing competitive exposure, and our training sessions have been intense and focused.
‘Mental Strength is Crucial’
“It’s not just about skills – in high-pressure games against elite teams, mental strength is equally crucial. We are hopeful of making an impact in this Asia Cup and showcasing Oman as a growing cricketing nation.
“Oman enters the Asia Cup with a blend of experience and youth, determined to leave a mark against Asia’s cricketing powerhouses. The tournament will not only test their skills but also their mental toughness on one of the most watched platforms in the sport.”
Oman have four uncapped players: Sufyan Yousuf, Zikria Khan, Faisal Shah and Nadeem Khan, with experienced opener Jatinder Singh leading the side. One advantage is that the Omanis they play against UAE teams regularly and have similar conditions.
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In an interview a few years ago with respected cricket writer Saadi Thawfeeq in the Lankan Financial Times, Mendis spoke glowingly of Oman’s new cricket facilities.
“When I came to Oman they did not have any cricket grounds, the first green ground came after my arrival and then the second one,” Mendis said. “We started building one by one, now we have two grounds in the same place.”
Football Is the Main Sport
“Football is the culture here but gradually they are beginning to understand what cricket is and getting interested. It is like pre-1996 in Sri Lanka, we were struggling without finances in the Cricket Board, but then after we won the World Cup everything started pouring in,” said Mendis, who played a key role in that historic title as manager and chief selector.
The eight-team tournament has two groups of four teams. India, Pakistan, UAE and Oman are in Group A while Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong are in Group B. The top two teams from each group will then proceed to the Super Fours stage, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
