England Thrash Oman for a mere 47 runs before comfortably chasing the target in just 3.1 overs, highlighting their dominance in the T20 World Cup. With Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid starring with the ball, Oman was bowled out in 13.2 overs. England’s clinical performance boosts their Super 8s qualification hopes, as they will advance on net run-rate if they beat Namibia and Scotland lose to Australia this weekend. Stay updated with all the T20 World Cup action and follow England’s quest for glory. Don’t miss out on any cricket news or highlights.
England Thrash Oman to Boost Super 8s Hopes
England maintained their hopes of reaching round two of the T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket demolition of Oman in Antigua, significantly boosting their net run-rate in the battle for the second Super 8s spot from Group B.
Oman Razed for 47
Oman were bowled out for a mere 47 in 13.2 overs, the fourth-lowest score in all T20 World Cups. The pace of Mark Wood (3-12) and Jofra Archer (3-12) proved too hot to handle for the associate nation, while Adil Rashid (4-11) bewitched with his leg-spin.
England’s Dominant Chase
England then romped to their tiny target in just 3.1 overs. Phil Salt (12 off 3) set the tone by smashing the first two balls of the innings for six, and opening partner Jos Buttler (24 not out off eight) hit five boundaries in an over. England’s net run-rate is now superior to Scotland’s.
Qualification Scenarios
England will reach the Super 8s if they defeat Namibia in Antigua on Saturday and Scotland lose to already-qualified Australia in St Lucia hours later. However, a Scotland victory over Australia or a washout in that game would guarantee England’s elimination, as would England’s match against Namibia being wrecked by the weather.
Ruthless Display Against Oman
England’s ruthless display against Oman, whose fourth defeat out of four ensures they finish bottom of the pool, keeps their progression hopes alive. Wood, Archer, and Rashid were exceptional, while Buttler led the chase confidently.
Standout Performances
Wood, flogged for 22 in an over by Australia on Saturday, bookended his first over versus Oman, the sixth of the match, with wickets and then bowled Ayaan Khan (1) in the eighth as he bagged his 50th T20I scalp in his 32nd fixture in the format. Archer, who shared the new ball with the recalled Reece Topley, picked up the first two wickets, thanks to sharp low catches from Salt at cover and Jacks at backward point respectively. Shoaib Khan (11) was the only Oman player to make double figures as Rashid ripped through the tail after first removing Khalid Kail (1) as the No 5 batter was stumped at the second attempt by Buttler.
England’s Chase
Buttler then watched Salt smash the first two balls of the England reply over the extra-cover boundary. When his opening partner was bowled next delivery and Jacks (5) departed towards the end of the second over, the skipper took charge. Buttler thumped four fours and a six off Bilal Khan in the third over before Jonny Bairstow (8 not out off 2) hauled the winning boundary off Fayyaz Butt as England completed the chase in just 19 balls and gave their World Cup defense a lift-off.
England Captain Jos Buttler’s Thoughts
“The tone was set really well by the bowlers and they managed to pick up those early wickets, restrict them, and knock them off, so job done today and now we’ve got another big game in two days’ time,” said Buttler.
“They bowled brilliantly. There was that extra bounce and Topley with his height and Archer with that high release point as well, so really challenging bowlers on that surface. We told [the batters] to be ultra-positive. We have lots of confidence in our team and we have another big game to come.”
What’s Next?
England play Namibia in Antigua from 6 pm on Saturday (UK and Ireland time), with Scotland’s game against Australia in St Lucia starting at 1:30 am on Sunday as Group B concludes. Ireland, meanwhile, face the USA in Florida from 3:30 pm on Friday, needing a win to keep their hopes of advancing from Group A alive. Victory for the USA or a washout would take the co-hosts into the Super 8s, alongside already-qualified India, and knock out winless Ireland as well as Pakistan and Canada.
