Kandy, Sri Lanka – Set against the misty hills and rolling greenery of Kandy, the picturesque Pallekele International Stadium provides a postcard-perfect backdrop as Oman face hosts Sri Lanka in the venue’s first match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. The contest begins at 11am local time (9.30am Oman time).
Oman enter their second Group B clash seeking to end a T20 World Cup victory drought that stretches back to October 17, 2021, when they defeated Papua New Guinea at Oman Cricket Academy groun in Al Amerat. Their only triumph over a Test-playing nation dates back even further — the famous upset against Ireland in the 2016 World Cup in Dharamshala.
But skipper Jatinder Singh insists history counts for little.
“We don’t have anything to lose against a strong side like Sri Lanka,” Jatinder said on the eve of the game. “We gain on all fronts because we don’t get many chances to play against Test-playing nations or former world champions. It is all to gain. The boys understand this and are ready to grab the opportunity.”
Oman were handed a heavy defeat by Zimbabwe in their opening match in Colombo, but Jatinder believes the squad has moved on quickly.
“The boys have regrouped very well after the loss and are ready for the litmus test against Sri Lanka. In T20 cricket, what is key in big games is to do the small things correctly. If we get those right, who knows, we may surprise them.”
The captain pointed to experience as the biggest gap between Associates and the elite sides.
“We lack experience and exposure as an Associate nation. One thing that hurts is the lack of franchise cricket in Oman. In today’s world, franchise cricket provides a big platform to prepare T20 players.”
Still, optimism runs through the camp. “The boys are in a good space and looking forward to playing in what is expected to be a packed stadium. If we do well, I am sure the Sri Lankan fans will cheer us too — they are among the best.”
Vice-captain Vinayak Shukla, who top-scored in the defeat to Zimbabwe with 28, echoed that sentiment.
“It is a new game and we will do our best. It is a big occasion against the hosts and we are hopeful of putting up a good show,” he said at the pre-match conference on Wednesday.
Coach Duleep Mendis, himself a former Sri Lanka cricketer, believes the shortest format leaves room for upsets.
“T20 can always spring a surprise. We have seen Associate nations trouble Test-playing teams in this tournament. The side that performs on the day goes through, and our players have the confidence that they can challenge the fancied teams.”
Mendis also hinted at a couple of changes to the playing XI.
The conditions could add intrigue. With it being a morning start, early movement is expected.
“The wicket looks good, but the first session may offer something for the bowlers. Toss will be key,” Jatinder observed.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be without star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury. Dushan Hemantha has been drafted in, while Dasun Shanaka’s side will be chasing a second successive win after overcoming Ireland in their opener.
Despite the victory, Sri Lanka’s batting showed vulnerabilities, something Oman will hope to exploit.
“We can’t underestimate Oman,” Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera warned. He said: “The team is focused and aiming to pick up two more points to bolster their chance to advance to the next round.”
On a ground framed by hills and expectation, Oman may be the underdogs, but as their captain insists, they arrive with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
