Oman primed for Asia Cup debut against Pakistan

MUSCAT: A new chapter in Oman cricket unfolds on Friday when the national team walks into Dubai’s stadium to face Pakistan in their maiden Asia Cup appearance. For a nation where most players juggle cricket with full-time jobs, the journey itself is extraordinary.

At the helm is coach Duleep Mendis, the Sri Lankan great who has been the architect of Oman’s rise since 2012. Under his stewardship, the team went from their fairytale T20 World Cup debut in 2016 to earning spots at the 2021 and 2024 editions, carving a place among cricket’s emerging nations. Now, with Asia watching, Mendis leads Oman onto their biggest stage yet — the Asia Cup.

“We are the underdogs, and it is our debut at the Asia Cup. But the players are well-prepared to compete. The team is here to make an impact, not just make up numbers,” said Mendis, who was the manager of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning squad.

Jatinder Singh will lead Oman’s campaign. Their preparations have been relentless — domestic T20 tournaments, fitness camps, and final fine-tuning in July with India’s Sulakshan Kulkarni joining the team as deputy head coach. The team, however, last played a T20I series in February, losing to the USA.

Mendis underlined the significance of the moment for his squad. “Oman cricketers have made their performances count in the past, and they know this is a big opportunity to play against India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup,” he said. “The players are eager to seize the occasion and prove themselves. We hope to put up a good show.”

Pakistan, by contrast, arrive as favourites. They are in form after lifting the recent tri-series title against Afghanistan and UAE, and under captain Salman Agha, their eyes are already on the India clash set for September 14.

Yet, Pakistan know the sting of an upset too well—just last year they were humbled by the USA at the T20 World Cup.

For Oman, the game carries no pressure, only opportunity. As Jatinder put it: “There is no pressure on us. We have nothing to lose and will give our best display of fearless cricket at the big stage.”

From office desks to cricket pitches, Oman’s players embody the grit of dreamers chasing glory against giants. On Friday in Dubai, they will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan, determined to show that underdogs can roar too.