Sri Lanka vs Oman , Full Score Card

A dot ball to end the proceedings. A low full toss, slinging down the leg side, Mohammad Nadeem clips it through mid-wicket but cannot beat the fielder. SRI LANKA WIN BY 105 RUNS!

Full and around off, Jay Odedra reaches out and pushes it through the covers for another single.

On middle and leg, tucked through square leg for a single.

WIDE. Slower ball, short in length, Nadeem slashes but misses.

Nice and full, outside off, Jay Odedra steers it through cover for a single.

A bit slower, on middle, Jay Odedra blocks it to mid on.

A yorker, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem gets his bat down in time and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

How cute is this? At the age of 43, Mohammad Nadeem becomes the oldest player to score a half century in a Men's T20 World Cup. He has broken Sanath Jayasuriya's record, who scored a half century at the age of 39, against West Indies in Nottingham in 2009! And who is the current coach of the Lankans? Boy o boy, the Matara Mauler would have enojoyed that. Right. Matheesha Pathirana to close things out. 2-0-6-0 so far.

Short and outside off, Nadeem cuts it through point for a run.

Floated, around off, Odedra comes down the track and hits it off the inner half of the bat towards long on for a single.

Full and around off, Jay Odedra defends.

Fifty up for Mohammad Nadeem! Much fuller, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to cover for a single. This is his third T20I fifty. Something to cheer for Oman, as the entire dugout stands up to applaud with joy and respect.

Flatter, on off, Mohammad Nadeem blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to the cover fielder.

Down the leg side, Jay clips it behind where it is taken nicely by Pathum Nissanka at leg slip. A small shout for a catch but it is not entertained. Probably hit the pad.

Around off, nudged through mid-wicket for a single.

Landed around off, holds up a touch, spinning away, with extra bounce, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it away.

Flatter, on off, Jay Odedra looks to flick it but miscues it to mid-wicket for a single.

Much fuller, outside off, Jay Odedra pushes it to cover. He wanted a single but was sent back by Mohammad Nadeem.

Short ball, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to the cover fielder.

Floated outside off, Jay blocks it out.

Tossed up, around off, Odedra lunges to defend.

Full, around off, Jay Odedra defends.

Quicker, on off, Jay Odedra blocks it back to the bowler.

Onto the last batter. Jay Odedra it will be, replacing Sufyan Mehmood. Still 22 balls left. Can Oman play out their 20 overs? For now, Odedra's first aim will be to play for Nadeem's half century.

OUT! TAKEN! Dunith Wellalage strikes. That is smart from Dunith Wellalage. He gives it air, on off, Shah Faisal gets low and looks to slog it but mistimes it. The ball goes in the air towards backward square leg where Pathum Nissanka takes a good catch.

Short, on off, Mohammad Nadeem pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Full and around off, pushed away.

The carrom ball, around off, defended.

Full, around middle, Shah Faisal works it towards the leg side.

Around middle, nudged to the leg side.

Outside off, stabbed away.

Short, outside off, cut through point for a single.

Very full, around off, Shah Faisal digs it out. Nearly gets a bottom edge back onto the stumps!

On middle and leg, a bit of turn, nudged behind square leg for a single.

Full, around off, Mohammad Nadeem reaches out and pushes it towards cover.

FOUR! Nicely played! Short and wide, Mohammad Nadeem reaches out to it and cuts it in the gap through backward point for a boundary.

Hemantha keeps it outside off, Shah Faisal taps it to cover for one more.

Full, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem eases it to point for a single.

Shah Faisal walks in next, at number 10, replacing Sufyan Mehmood.

OUT! SUFYAAN MEHMOOD IS RUN OUT! A huge mixup and Sufyan Mehmood departs. Full, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem clips it to square leg for one. Sufyan Mehmood wanted a second run but there was no response from Mohammad Nadeem. Kamindu Mendis throws it to Kusal Mendis and Sufyan Mehmood was halfway. Easy run out for the keeper. Sufyan is not happy and gives an earful to the 43-year old!

Tossed up, on off, Mohammad Nadeem chips it over extra cover for a brace.

Full, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem swings hard but misses.

Wide! Way down the leg side, Mohammad Nadeem looks to flick it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Sufyan Mehmood knocks it down to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Minnow crushers. That's what Sri Lanka are fondly called. And they are living up to their name here. Nothing much to gain for Oman now, apart from batting on and playing out their 20 overs. Can Nadeem make it to the 50-run mark? Sufyan Mehmood walks in next, at number 9, replacing Nadeem Khan.

OUT! TAKEN! Kamindu Mendis strikes. More flight, outside off, Nadeem Khan looks to loft it but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air towards long off. Dushmantha Chameera settles under it and completes the catch.

Much fuller, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem chips it over mid off for just a single.

Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Nadeem looks to flick it but miscues it to cover. Oh, Kamindu Mendis has overstepped. NO BALL signalled. FREE HIT coming up...

Will Theekshana bowl out? Not right now. Kamindu Mendis has been given the ball.

Short and wide, Nadeem Khan swings hard but misses.

Flighted up, on off, Nadeem Khan tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

The Oman innings is in tatters now. 78/3 has become 91/6! One Nadeem joins another. Nadeem Khan walks in next, at number 8, replacing Jiten Ramanandi.

OUT! STUMPED! Excellent work behind the stumps from Kusal Mendis. Flatter, outside off, Jiten Ramanandi gets low and looks to slog it but misses. Kusal Mendis collects the ball and whips the bails off in a flash. The umpire goes upstairs to have a check and replays show that Jiten Ramanandi has nothing behind the crease. He walks back now and Oman are in deep trouble. 91/6 after 12.4 overs.

Full, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem eases it to cover for a single.

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for Oman. Hemantha darts it down the leg side, Mohammad Nadeem looks to sweep it but misses. The keeper fails to stop it as the ball races away to the fence at fine leg.

FOUR! Excellent timing from Mohammad Nadeem! Full and on off, Mohammad Nadeem makes room and drives it magnificently over extra cover for a boundary.

Nice and full, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem chips it over extra cover for a brace.

Hastening to a finish now, are we? Sri Lanka are into the Oman bowlers, one feels. Mohammad Nadeem walks in next, at number 7, replacing Vinayak Shukla.

OUT! VINAYAK SHUKLA IS RUN OUT! A direct hit at the batter's end and Vinayak Shukla looks in trouble. Full and outside off, Vinayak Shukla eases it to deep third for a brace. Kamil Mishara picks it well and hits the bullseye at the batter's end. The umpire checks and replays show that Vinayak Shukla was short. He walks back into the shed. Oman are 79/5 after 12 overs!

Vinayak Shukla walks in next, at number 6, replacing Wasim Ali.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Maheesh Theekshana keeps it short and outside off, Wasim Ali stays back and looks to cut it but misses it completely. Gets a faint edge and Kusal Mendis takes a good catch behind the stumps. There is a loud appeal and the finger goes up after a while. Wasim Ali walks back and Oman are 78/4 after 11.5 overs.

Good fielding in the deep! Quicker, on off, Mohammad Nadeem slogs it over mid-wicket. The fielder runs to his right and flicks the ball in with his right hand and saves the boundary. Keeps it to a single.

Quicker, on middle, Wasim Ali slogs it over mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller again, outside off, Wasim Ali blocks it to the fielder at backward point.

Much fuller, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Flatter again, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Flatter, on middle, Wasim Ali chips it over mid on for a single.

Short and wide, Wasim Ali swings hard but misses.

SIX! Two sixes in two balls now for Wasim Ali! This one is a bit quicker, on middle, Wasim Ali gets low again and powers it over deep square leg for yet another six.

SIX! A full toss and he gets the treatment. A full toss, on middle and leg, Wasim Ali gets down on one knee and clatters it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Oh! Flighted up, down leg following the batter. Wasim Ali shuffles across and tries to cut it but misses.

Halfway stage reached. Oman are 61/3 and at the same stage, Sri Lanka were 96/2. Meanwhile, some worrying signs from the ground. The groundstaff is getting ready. They don't have the covers yet, but are ready, to be called in. It has gone pretty dark and overcast now. Just a slight delay to start this over as Kusal Mendis gets some treatment on his fingers. He hurt himself while trying to collect a ball in the previous Pathirana over. All in readiness now.

Short ball, on leg, Mohammad Nadeem tries to pull it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls to the vacant region at silly point. Dot.

Back of a length, on leg, Wasim Ali hops a bit and whips it towards square leg for another single.

Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Nadeem stays back and steers it through cover-point for just a single.

A touch fuller, on off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to the cover fielder. Three dots from Matheesha Pathirana now.

Beaten! Clever from Matheesha Pathirana. Slower one, outside off, and it keeps low. Mohammad Nadeem tries to drive it but gets beaten.

Nice and full, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem has a fiddle but misses.

Matheesha Pathirana returns. 1-0-4-0 so far.

Hemantha drags his length back, and keeps it outside off, Mohammad Nadeem cuts it to deep cover for one more.

Good comeback after the six on the first ball. Full, on middle, Wasim Ali clips it to mid-wicket for another run.

Dushan Hemantha keeps it full again, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem flicks it to square leg for one more.

Very full, on off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to the point fielder.

Much fuller, on middle, Wasim Ali clips it to square leg for a single.

SIX! BOOM! Welcome to the attack, Dushan Hemantha. Flighted up, on middle, Wasim Ali steps out and gets the pitch of the ball. He launches it straight back over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Dushan Hemantha has been introduced.

Slower, fuller, and on middle. Wasim Ali flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length again, on off, Wasim Ali pushes it to the cover fielder.

Hard length, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem turns it to square leg for a single.

FOUR! Not where he intended but gets the result! Dasun Shanaka errs his line down the leg side, Mohammad Nadeem looks to pull it but gets a bottom edge. The ball races through the left of the diving keeper and finds the fence at fine leg.

On a length, shaping in, down the leg side. Wasim Ali looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards deep third. They collect a leg bye.

Back of a length slower ball, on middle, Wasim Ali looks to paddle it but misses.

Six singles from the over. Tidy from Dunith Wellalage. Flatter, on leg, Wasim Ali sweeps it but gets a bottom edge. The ball trickles towards backward square leg for another single.

Wellalage drags his length back, on leg, Mohammad Nadeem tucks it to mid-wicket for one more.

Four singles so far. Full, on middle, Wasim Ali sweeps it to square leg for one again. Singles won't harm Sri Lanka a bit.

Dunith Wellalage keeps it full again, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nadeem sweeps it through backward square leg for one more.

Flatter, on leg, Wasim Ali turns it towards backward square leg for a run.

Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Nadeem pushes it to cover for a quick single.

Short, on middle and leg, Wasim Ali hops a bit and blocks it to the leg side. Dot to end the over.

DRINKS BREAK! Sri Lanka are well on top after a dominant batting display and a clinical start with the ball. Chasing a massive target, Oman are in deep trouble at 36 for 3 inside the Powerplay, with their top order already back in the dugout. They now need 190 runs from 85 balls and the asking rate is skyrocketing. Oman will need a special knock to pull off a miracle from here.

OUT! TAKEN! The change of pace does the trick for Dushmantha Chameera. On a length, outside off, and a bit slower too. Hammad Mirza stays back and looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball goes miles up in the air. Kamil Mishara at mid-wicket settles underneath it and completes the catch. Oman are 36/3 after 5.5 overs.

Hard length, on off, Hammad Mirza blocks it back to the left of the bowler.

Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem guides it to backward point for a run.

SIX! They needed that desperately! That was some shot from Mohammad Nadeem. On a length, on off, Mohammad Nadeem makes room and powers it over extra cover for a biggie.

Back of a length, angling in, on middle. Mohammad Nadeem looks to pull it but wears it on his rib cage.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Hammad Mirza clips it through square leg for a brace.

FOUR! Nicely played! Short, on middle and leg, Hammad Mirza stays in his crease and pulls it powerfully over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Fired in, on off, Hammad Mirza looks to flick it but edges an inside edge onto his pads. Dot.

Tossed up, on off, Mohammad Nadeem chips it to wide long off for a run.

Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Nadeem drives it to the cover fielder. Dot.

Short, on off, Mohammad Nadeem taps it on the bounce back to the bowler.

The clouds are building up overhead! Sri Lanka are rushing through the overs to complete 5 overs soon.

Short, on off, Mohammad Nadeem eases it back to the right of the bowler for a single.

Very full, on off, Mohammad Nadeem taps it to mid off. The fielder stops it with a slide to his right.

Quicker, on middle, Mohammad Nadeem tries to flick it but miscues it to the point fielder.

Short, on off, Mohammad Nadeem blocks it back towards the bowler.

Full, on middle, Hammad Mirza knocks it down the ground for a run.

Maheesh Theekshana darts it on leg, Mohammad Nadeem nudges it through backward square leg for a single.

Short and wide outside off, Hammad slashes but misses.

A good bouncer. Well directed, around middle, at head height. Mirza ducks just in time.

On a length, wide outside off, slanting away, Hammad Mirza lets it be. The ball just about flirts with the wide line but is deemed legal.

On a length, outside off, MN punches it through the covers for a single.

WIDE. Pathirana loses his radar. Goes for the inswinger but spills it way down the leg side. The batter lets it be and the keeper dives full stretch to his left to stop the ball.

On a length, wide outside off, 142.5 kph, Nadeem shoulders arms. This is the difference. Not a single ball crossed 130 kph when Oman's seamers were bowling.

Full and outside off, outswing, Mohammad Nadeem reaches out and drives it through the covers for a couple. 209 more needed from 107 balls.

Change? Surprising. Just the one over for Chameera. Matheesha Pathirana has been given the ball. Could it be for a change of ends for Chameera?

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. A wicket and 3 runs from the over. Solid start.

On middle and off, Hammad clips it through mid on for a couple.

Fired in, around off, Mirza works it through mid-wicket but cannot find the gap.

Short, around off, Nadeem clips it through square leg for a single.

That's close as well. The batter simply did not pick it. The carrom ball, outside off, Mohammad Nadeem looks to drive but is beaten.

OUT! LBW! That looked pretty close but Kaleem has reviewed it. Full, around off, Aamir Kaleem got down and across to sweep but missed and was hit on the pads. Theekshana appealed and the umpire raised his finger. The two batters had a chat and then Kaleem decided to send it upstairs. UltraEdge detects no wood involved but Ball Tracking comes as a heartbreak. Umpire's call on both, impact and hitting the stumps! Marginally clipping the off stump! Oman don't lose a review but lose 2 wickets in two balls as Aamir Kaleem departs for 6 (5). Mohammad Nadeem walks in at number 4.

Early troubles for Oman as they lose their 10th wicket out of 11 in this tournament to pace. Hammad Mirza walks in next, at number 3, replacing his skipper, Jatinder Singh. Maheesh Theekshana will share the new ball from the other end.

OUT! BOWLED! That's a beauty of a nut and Jatinder Singh's game is done. On a length, around middle and off. Jatinder looks to defend but the ball then pitches and nibbles away off the seam. Goes past the outside edge and hits the off stump. Nothing much that any batter could have done on that occasion. Just too good a ball, don a hat to the bowler and walk off. The skipper departs for 1 (2) and Oman are 12/1, needing another 214 runs from 114 balls!

On a length, outside off, pulled towards fine leg for a run.

On middle and leg, worked through square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Direct hit could have had Jatinder. On middle and off, angling away, AK pushes it towards point and sets off for a quick single. His skipper is a bit late in responding as the fielder from point comes charging in. Swoops on the ball but his direct hit goes very wide of the stumps at the striker's end. Could have been four overthrows but the fielder from square leg backs up well.

FIVE WIDES! Good pace and good bounce and would have been a top nut, but for a right hander. On a length, down the leg side, Aamir looks to tuck it away but the ball pitches, seams further down and bounces as well. Beats the bat and the diving keeper to his right as well, racing to the fine leg fence. 217 more needed from 117 balls.

FOUR! That's well played. Chameera goes for a repeat of the previous ball but ends up bowling a half volley down the leg side. Kaleem connects this time and whips it behind square leg for the first run and boundary of the run chase.

Right up in the blockhole first up. Around the leg stump, Aamir Kaleem looks to flick but plays all around it and misses, getting hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for LBW but is not too keen for the review. That might have been heading down the leg side.

SIX MORE! A biggie to end the innings. A touch short, around off, with no pace on offer, Kamindu rocks back and heaves it massively over deep square leg! 17 from the final over and SRI LANKA END ON 225/5!

SIX! SMASH! Well, Kamindu replies to the bowler's stare and words with a fine cricketing shot. Full and wide outside off, Mendis holds his position, reaches out and carves it well over extra cover!

Full and outside off, Kamindu Mendis gets across to play the reverse paddle but does not connect. The bowler gives a stare to the batter and perhaps mutters a few words as well.

On a length, outside off, Dunith punches it through the covers for a single.

FOUR! Cheeky. Wellalage gets across, signalling his intentions to scoop. Seeing that, Faisal bowls it a touch short, with pace off and way outside off. But the batter adjusts well, changing his shot and reverse-scooping the ball over short third for a boundary!

Shah Faisal will bowl the final over. 3-0-11-0 so far, the standout for Oman. Slower ball, outside off, pretty full, Dunith Wellalage slashes hard but misses.

On middle and off, slogged through mid-wicket for another couple. 2 wickets and 9 runs from the over, Jiten Ramanandi finishes with bowling figures of 4-0-41-2.

Wide yorker outside off, Kamindu reaches out to drive but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.

FOUR! STUPENDOUS! Full and straight, Kamindu Mendis hammers it straight back over the bowler for a boundary in front of the sightscreen!

WIDE. Well outside off, left alone.

Landed outside off, Dunith Wellalage steers it towards short third for a single.

Oman on a team hattrick. Dunith Wellalage walks in next, at number 7, replacing Kamindu Mendis.

OUT! KUSAL MENDIS IS RUN OUT! Both batters at the same end. Just like that, both set batters have been dismissed. On a short length, outside off, Kamindu Mendis went for the pull but miscued it towards long on. Actually, it was just past the bowler. Kamindu was happy with the single but then, the bowler fumbled while trying to pick it up. Kusal spotted that and charged back for the second. But Kamindu had his back turned. Kusal came within handshaking distance, before turning back. Too late. The bowler returned the throw to the keeper who took the bails off, with Kusal way short. A fine, composed knock of 61 (45) ends. SRI LANKA ARE 200/5 AFTER 18.2 OVERS!

11 balls left. Kamindu Mendis walks in next, at number 6, replacing his skipper, Dasun Shanaka.

OUT! CAUGHT! End of a breathtaking innings. 50 (20) from Dasun Shanaka, in a stand worth 63 (28)! Completely took everyone by surprise. Oman look shocked. Full and wide outside off, Shanaka looked to go inside out but could not quite get to the pitch of the ball. Hence, he could not get enough elevation. Long off was waiting and ready. Nadeem Khan made no mistake. Sri Lanka are 199/4!

Oh dear. 215-220? The way Shanaka is flying, even 230 seems gettable! Jiten Ramanandi to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-32-1 so far.

FOUR! 19 from the over, 53 in the last 3! On a length, outside off, Kusal Mendis punches this through point. Sweeper cover gets across to his left while deep point charges to his right. The latter dives but the ball goes through!

19-BALL FIFTY FOR SHANAKA, FASTEST BY A SRI LANKAN IN T20IS! Gets a big hug from Kusal Mendis. An innings full of statements. Very full, outside off, the skipper goes back and steers it towards deep third, for a run.

Full and around off, Kusal Mendis gets across and plays the paddle. But cannot get it past short fine leg, who, despite a fumble, concedes just the single.

Moves to 49. The keeper comes upto the stumps and the bowler bowls it pretty full and wide outside off. Dasun can only steer it towards deep third for a single.

SIX MORE! 5th six for the skipper, in the last 9 balls! On a length, around middle, pace off, Shanaka charges down the track and swings it cleanly over long off! Moves to 48 (17). And to think, he was on 6 (7) not too long ago!

SIX! SLAUGHTERED! Shanaka has moved to 42 from 16 balls! And the 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 22 BALLS! Dropped short, around off, Dasun Shanaka stays in his crease and swings it over mid-wicket!

Down the leg side, following the batter, the skipper clips it behind square leg for a single. 20 runs from the over and we have another new number for the costliest over of the innings.

SIX MORE! That is an outrageous shot. Landed outside off, Shanaka throws his bat at it and carves it all the way over sweeper cover!

SIX! SLAP! Second six in as many overs. Fractionally short, around off, Dasun Shanaka rocks back and heaves it straight back over the bowler's head for half a dozen!

FOUR! Teeing off now. Full, around middle and off, Shanaka gets down and sweeps it well over backward square leg for a boundary. The stand moves to 31 (18).

Following the batter down the leg side, as Dasun Shanaka gives himself too much room outside leg. But he manages to punch this short ball through mid on for a couple.

Short, outside off, Kusal Mendis goes back and cuts it behind point for a single.

The off cutter, outside off, on a length, angling away. Kusal Mendis looks to slap it away but mistimes it towards cover. Quick single taken. 14 from the over.

Around off, Dasun eases it through the covers for a single.

SIX! SLAM! That came right out of the middle of the bat. Another full toss, around 115 kph, around off, Shanaka accepts the gift and powers it straight back over the bowler, making the ball land beyond the sightscreen!

FOUR! Gift. A full toss, on the pads, with fine leg up. Dasun Shanaka clips this behind square leg and finds the fence. 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA! 27 balls left.

TOP EDGE, SAFE! Great work from the keeper, but the Lankan skipper gets lucky again. Another pace-off ball, on a length, outside leg, Shanaka looks to pick it up over fine leg but plays early. Gets a top edge which goes high in the air, behind the wicket. The keeper puts in a pretty decent sprint running back, but cannot reach the ball as it lands just in front of him. Two runs taken.

Slower ball, pretty full, around middle and leg, Dasun Shanaka eases this towards the leg side.

Outside off, a touch short, Dasun forces this through the covers for another single.

Outside off, another reverse sweep played, this time off the toe end. Just a single to short third.

Landed outside off, Kusal brings out the reverse sweep and gets it past short third for a couple.

A 39-BALL 50 FOR KUSAL MENDIS! Started like a hurricane, but then slowed down, seeing Rathnayake going well at the other end. Time to start moving on again. Gets there with a nudge through mid-wicket for a couple.

Outside off, Shanaka punches it through the covers for a single.

How did that miss the stumps? Dear me, what a lucky escape. Nadeem Khan comes back into the attack and nearly delivers. The arm ball, outside off, skids through with the arm, Dasun Shanaka goes back to cut but misses and the ball just about shaves the off stump!

Around off, Shanaka eases this through mid off for one. A wicket and 6 runs from the over, Jiten Ramanandi's bowling figures read 2-0-18-1 so far.

Full, on middle, Mendis works it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mixup, but safe. Short, outside off, Dasun Shanaka punches it towards point. He is ball watching but in that while, Mendis is off for a run. Shanaka is woken up from his slumber by a loud call and now he starts running. There is a run out opportunity but the fielder fumbles.

DRINKS BREAK. A platform has been set for good death hitting. They are well on course to get to somewhere between 215-220, provided they play that way. Oman have not been able to put any kind of pressure with the ball so far and the hosts will aim to capitalize. On the other hand, if Oman can get Mendis out now, they can cause some panic. Skipper Dasun Shanaka walks in next, at number 5, replacing Pavan Rathnayake.

OUT! BOWLED! Too much cheekiness gets the better of Rathnayake. The 94-run stand has been broken. Rathnayake tries to play the paddle once again but this time, moves across a bit too early. Ramanandi spots the move and keeps it simple, landing it around leg or outside on a length. You miss, I hit, is the principle employed and Rathnayake is beaten by the lack of pace as Jiten takes all the pace off the ball. It beats the scoop and hits the stumps. Fine knock from Rathnayake and Sri Lanka are 136/3 after 13.3 overs!

On a length, outside off, 116.3 kph, Pavan Rathnayake carves this over point. It is a big boundary on that side and the batters have enough time to come back for the second, by the time deep point can get to the ball. Rathnayaka moves to 60 (27).

Full, around off, Kusal Mendis gets down and mows the slog sweep through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Hattrick of boundaries, making it 19 runs from the over! Rathnayake is into overdrive now. On a length, around off, Pavan Rathnayake gets down and across and laps it over short fine leg, to make this now the most expensive over of the innings, beating the 17 conceded by Wasim Ali in the 10th over.

FOUR MORE! He is getting into a different zone now. Outside off, Pavan Rathnayake stands tall and punches it through the covers, beating long off to his left!

FOUR! 50 IN 24 BALLS FOR RATHNAYAKE! What a counter-punching knock. Not that Sri Lanka were in trouble or anything, but Rathnayake has come out and taken the reins in his hands. This is also the SECOND FASTEST HALF CENTURY BY A SRI LANKAN IN T20 WORLD CUPS, as per Pommie Mbangwa on air. Full and straight, Rathnayake hammers this straight back over the bowler down to the fence.

Landed on a length, outside off, 92.1 kph, Kusal smashes it through the covers for a single.

Excellent running. Mendis works this full ball through mid-wicket and takes the single. It is Rathnayake who calls for two straightaway and charges back for the second.

FOUR! Up and over! On middle, around the good length, Kusal Mendis gets across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary!

Landed on a length, outside off, 115.2 kph, angling away, Mendis drags the pull through mid-wicket for a single. 12 from the over.

Not where he intended. Very full, outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to loft it but gets an outside edge. The ball goes over the leaping cover fielder as the batters collect two runs.

Around leg stump, Pavan Rathnayake has shuffled way across and clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

SIX! Oh, that’s stylish! Slightly shorter, on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake takes a step forward and launches it effortlessly over deep square leg for a biggie.

Full, around off, Kusal Mendis gets down and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run.

Mishit, but it lands safe! That was too risky from Pavan Rathnayake. Full, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake moves to his right and exposes his stumps. Tries to play a lap sweep but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It lobs and lands safely at square leg. They cross.

Jiten Ramanandi introduced now.

And there comes the 6th single. Full on middle, Rathnayake flicks it through mid-wicket for another single.

This is a good over from Sufyan Mehmood so far. Length, on middle, Kusal Mendis eases it through mid on for yet another single. Five singles so far. No risk involved, just a simple rotation of the strike.

Landed outside off, punched down to long off for one. 100 UP FOR SRI LANKA. 56 balls left.

Hard length and width on offer, Kusal Mendis slaps it through cover for another single.

On middle, pushed down to long on for a run.

A touch fuller from Sufyan Mehmood, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis shuffles across and knocks it down to long on for a run.

The halfway stage is finally reached after additional drama in the previous over. The current run rate will easily take Sri Lanka post 190 and they will aim for 210-220 today. Sufyan Mehmood returns. 1-0-16-1 so far.

FOUR! The second Free Hit is punished. Floated, around off, Pavan Rathnayake hammers this straight back over the bowler, down the ground. Long on tries to get across, puts in a dive but cannot haul it back in. He tries to parry the ball to his partner from long off but fumbles and the ball meets the ropes. It is referred upstairs and the third umpire confirms it is a boundary. 17 from that over, the costliest in this innings!

Oh, not again! The umpire hands the bowler his cap back for the second time in this over but the siren goes off once more! Another NO BALL, another FREE HIT!

The bowler gets away with it. Floated, around off, pretty full, Mendis tries to slog it away but cannot quite get underneath the ball. Gets it through to long on for a single. So nothing much on the Free Hit.

Hang on. We thought the over was done. But the siren has blown, which means the bowler has overstepped! NO BALL signalled and a Free Hit is coming up!

The arm ball, around off, short of full, coming in with the arm, 80.2 kph, Pavan stands tall and punches it down to long off for a single.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! The boundaries have started to flow again. Short and wide outside off, Rathnayake goes back and cuts it between backward point and short third.

Very good running between the wickets. Wasim Ali goes full, on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake flicks it to backward square leg and calls for two. They make it back comfortably before the throw comes in.

Landed around off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it towards cover.

Wasim Ali keeps it short, outside off, Kusal Mendis stays back and punches it through cover for a single.

Arrowed on middle, pretty full, Kusal comes forward and whips it through mid-wicket for one.

Flatter, shorter and on off, Kusal Mendis goes deep in his crease and cuts it but finds the fielder at backward point. Dot.

FOUR! Dropped short, outside off, Kusal Mendis rocks back and pulls this powerfully, perfectly bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket! Gets his 5th boundary and moves to 30 (23).

Flatter, just outside off, Pavan Rathnayake moves forward and knocks it through mid off for a run.

Full and down the leg side, Mendis goes back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Much fuller, on off, Pavan Rathnayake takes a step forward and pushes it wide of mid off for a single.

Quick and short outside off, Kusal looks to cut but misses.

Good work in the deep! Short ball, on off, Kusal Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket. The fielder at long on runs to his right and stops a possible boundary near the fence. The batters collect two runs.

DROPPED! Wasim is wringing his left hand in pain, but that should have been taken. Tossed up, around off, Mendis comes down the track and hammers it straight back. The bowler tries to stick his left hand out but the ball bursts through. By the time long off can get around, two runs are taken.

Fired in, on off, Pavan Rathnayake drives it through extra cover for another single.

Slower through the air, outide off, 86.6 kph, short of full, Kusal Mendis rocks back and guides it behind point for a single.

Nice and full, on leg, Kusal Mendis stays back and drills it to long on for a brace.

That turned. Interesting. Pitched outside leg, Rathnayake lunges to defend but the ball spins away, takes the outside edge and drops down.

Flighed up this time. A full toss and on off, Pavan Rathnayake takes a step forward and drills it to wide long off. The fielder makes a good stop near the fence and keeps it to two runs.

Short, angling down the leg side, Kusal Mendis goes back and nudges it through square leg for a run.

Flatter, fuller and on off, Pavan Rathnayake leans on and knocks it down to long off for a run.

On middle, pushed down to long off for a single.

Nadeem Khan keeps it short, on off, Kusal Mendis stays back and blocks it to the cover fielder.

Whose Powerplay was it? The runs say Sri Lanka. But Oman will be happy with the two wickets. Nadeem Khan to start the post-Powerplay phase. This was the phase where the Lankans hit a wall against Ireland.

Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a couple. End of the Powerplay and Sri Lanka are 58/2!

FOUR MORE! He is toying with the field now! On a length, outside off, Pavan Rathnayake reaches out to it and steers it in the gap again. This time through backward point for yet another boundary.

FOUR! SWEET! Overpitched, wide outside off, Pavan Rathnayake reaches out and drives it through the covers for his second boundary.

Good length, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake stays in his crease and tucks it neatly through mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Easy peasy. So nice from the bowler. New to the crease? Let me help you a bit. A length ball, on the pads, fine leg up. Good enough? Yes, says Rathnayake as he clips it to the left of short fine leg to open his account with a boundary!

DRINKS BREAK. Well, well, well - how are Oman looking at this now? Both openers dismissed inside the Powerplay. That water or energy drink would be tasting a lot cooler in this heat now. This pitch looks a very good surface to bat on and Oman have not quite adjusted to their lengths. They have either been too full or wide and just one ball has troubled the batter - the one to Kamil Mishara early on - which had extra bounce. Obviously, the bowler needs to bend his back but Oman don't have the pace to do that. But their lines have been very inconsistent as well. Either too wide outside off, or on the pads. Not a single boundary down the ground so far, which means, not a single ball has been at the stumps. Barring the previous one of course! Pavan Rathnayake walks in next, at number 4, replacing Pathum Nissanka.

OUT! LBW! That's an excellent review from Jatinder Singh! Remember, Oman had only one review left but Jatinder took the gamble and it has paid off. Slightly shorter, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka stayed back and looked to pull it but got beaten on the bottom edge. There was a loud appeal for LBW but the umpire was pretty firm. The keeper, bowler and skipper have a chat and it is sent upstairs. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows three reds, hitting the middle and leg sticks! What a review. Sri Lanka are 42/2 after 5.1 overs!

Final over of the Powerplay. It has not been a great bowling display but if Oman can snare another wicket, they will be happy with this Powerplay. Sufyan Mehmood to close things out in the fielding restrictions phase.

On a length, around off, KM drives it on the up towards cover.

FOUR LEG BYES! An appeal from Shah Faisal for lbw but gets nothing from the umpire. Very full, down the leg side, Kusal Mendis tries to flick it but the ball clips his foot and races away to the fence at fine leg. That seemed to pitch way outside leg.

On middle and leg, much fuller length, angling away, Kusal defends watchfully.

Short, outside off, 120.5 kph, angling away, Mendis comes down the track and slashes hard but misses.

On middle and off, Kusal Mendis walks down the track and defends.

On a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka plays away from his body, looking to push. Gets an outside edge towards deep third. Single taken.

Double bowling change? Shah Faisal has already bowled 2 overs from this end. Nope, he will bowl three on the trot.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Kusal Mendis. He is dealing in boundaries. Flatter, outside off, Kusal Mendis stays back and punches it through the gap between extra cover and mid off for another boundary. 13 from the over!

FOUR! That's another poor delivery from Wasim Ali. Short and wide, Kusal Mendis rocks onto the back foot and slaps it through point. The cover fielder dives to his left to stop it but fails to do so. The ball races away to the fence.

Plenty of flight, around off, PN comes down the track and pushes it through mid off for a single.

Floated, around off, Pathum defends.

The arm ball, outside off, skids through, Nissanka cuts it towards point.

FOUR! Pathum Nissanka goes over mid-wicket! Wasim Ali lands it short, on off, Nissanka pounces on it and pulls it magnificently over a leaping mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

Clouds rolling in. This is Sri Lanka. So you can expect that. But the forecast is for a clear day. Wasim Ali to bowl now.

Around off, pushed to the off side.

An LBW appeal but before the umpire can signal anything, Waqar Younis on air goes, 'No, no, no, can't be given out.' But Oman take the review! It was a length ball alright, but where did it pitch? Outside leg. End of story. Oman waste a review. Mendis looked to pull but the ball darted low a bit and beat him on the pull and that perhaps convinced the keeper and bowler to urge the captain to take the review. Ball Tracking confirms the unnecessary urge.

Full and outside off, moving away, 119.7 kph, Mendis drives it towards cover-point.

On a length, around off, angling away, Kusal Mendis is squared up a touch, but manages to push the ball away towards point.

Full and around off, hint of inswing, Nissanka plays it on the half volley towards cover.

Now, we can be sure. A bit over 2 overs done, run rate is around 11 an over, this does look like a belter. At least, Shanaka would be happy. But let's wait for the entire set of 20 to be completed.

On middle and off, going across the right hander, Pathum Nissanka defends.

FOUR! A bit edgy but they all count! Another short and wide from Jay Odedra, quicker too. Kusal Mendis tries to slap it but gets a thick edge. The ball races through short third for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Kusal Mendis gets off the mark with a boundary! Short and wide from Jay Odedra, also shorter in length. Kusal Mendis reaches out to it and steers it through backward point for a boundary.

Early wicket down then for the hosts. Part of Oman's plan executed - to try and get into that middle order quickly. Kusal Mendis walks in next, at number 3, replacing Kamil Mishara.

OUT! TIMBER! Slower ball does the trick and Jay Odedra strikes on his fourth ball. This one pitches on off, straightens just enough, and also keeps a tad low. Kamil Mishara goes for for the big slog sweep across the line but misses it completely. The ball goes on to hit the stumps. Sri Lanka are 15/1 after 1.4 overs!

A bit more flight and revolutions on the ball, outside off, 84.1 kph, Mishara looks to slap it through the off side but the ball pitches and then rips away, beating him.

WIDE. Fired down the leg side, Kamil Mishara lunges to sweep but misses. Good stop by the keeper, using his right leg.

Shorter, outside off, Nissanka gets across and punches it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries for Sri Lanka! Odedra gives Pathum Nissanka width, and keeps it shorter in length outside off. Nissanka reaches out to it and slaps it through backward point for a boundary.

Is one over enough for analysis? If yes, then this looks like a belter of a track. But everything cannot be judged on the score alone. Faisal was pretty ordinary in the opening over, with barely much pace and no control on line or length. Jay Odedra will share the new ball.

FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries. Shah Faisal errs a bit and bowls it on a length, on leg, Kamil Mishara picks it well and tucks it to the right of short fine leg, to make it 9 runs from the opening over.

FOUR! Superb timing, and it also shows how quick the outfield is. Back of a length, on off, Kamil Mishara stays in his crease and punches it in the gap through cover for a boundary. The ball teases the fielders from the circle but eventually, wins the race.

Shorter in length, a bit wide outside off, 125.5 kph, Kamil looks to cut but then, there is extra bounce and some away movement on that ball, which defeats him.

Fuller, outside off, pretty slow, Mishara looks to punch it through the line but plays a bit too early. Gets a bottom edge towards cover.

Better line and length. On a good length, just around off, coming in with the angle, 125.4 kph, Kamil Mishara defends.

Gentle ball to start. A half volley, on middle, albeit with a bit of inswing, around the 120ks, Pathum Nissanka clips it through mid-wicket for the first run of the contest.

Apa Sriiiiiiiiiiiiiii Lankaa, namo namo namo Matha has been sung and we are ready for the game to begin! The Oman team gets into a huddle and then disperses. Following them are the Lankan openers - Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. It will be the pace of left-armer Shah Faisal to kick things off. Nissanka to face. Here we go!

National anthems time - The match officials walk out to the middle. The teams gather in the centre behind them as we get ready for the national anthems. It will be Oman's first, followed by that of the host nation.

Happy to bat - The captain of Sri Lanka, DASUN SHANAKA, opines that it looks like a very decent pitch, so is happy to bat first. On the forced team change, Shanaka admits that unfortunately, the Lankans will be without their champion bowler (Wanindu Hasaranga). So Dushan Hemantha comes in, he adds. On the batting display in their first game, Dasun replies that they expected themselves to score more runs, but circumstances didn't allow them to do so, with the pitch playing on the slower side. Hopes that this will be a better deck. On their plans to tackle the middle overs while batting, DS doesn't delve too much on it, stating that they do talk about such stuff in the team meetings and if the conditions allow, they can execute their plans.

Want to utilize the conditions - The skipper of Oman, JATINDER SINGH, says that they will bowl first as there is a bit of moisture and they want to utilise the conditions. Adds that there is hardly anything you can take from Oman's first game, and one game cannot define them. He further says that this is a golden opportunity for his side to come out and shine. Adds that they will try to not to lose their wickets and ends by saying that there are two changes in their side, with Jay Odedra and Mohammad Nadeem coming in.

Oman (Playing XI) - Jatinder Singh (C), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Mohammad Nadeem (IN FOR KARAN SONAVALE), Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (WK), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal and Jay Odedra (IN FOR SHAKEEL AHMED).

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha (IN FOR WANINDU HASARANGA), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. The two captains are outside the boundary - Dasun Shanaka and Jatinder Singh - waiting for the match referee. Bat first, because of the pitch tending to slow down in the heat, or bowl first, to use the early morning moisture? Shanaka will flip the coin and Jatinder will call. HEADS is the call and Heads it is. OMAN ELECT TO BOWL FIRST.

Mysterious Pallekele pitch - What kind of surface can we expect today? In the past, this venue has given us nearly a crest and trough in terms of the scores. We have seen totals as low as the 130s but also as high as the 170s. Given that this is an ICC match, one could expect a better surface on offer today, so runs should flow. Whether it will support spin or not, is a questionable thing. Sri Lanka have won just 10 of 24 T20Is in Pallekele, losing 11. They've won only one of their last five at the venue. Ouch.

Oman's batting - We talked about Sri Lanka's issues. What about their oppponents'? In Colombo, at the SSC, Oman lost 9 wickets to pace - beat that. 9 wickets to pace, in Sri Lanka? Just because of that, it is quite possible that Sri Lanka look to do what Zimbabwe did to Oman. Bury them out with pace. They have got some decent seam stocks, so it might not be necessary that it will be Dushan Hemantha to replace Hasaranga.

Back to the present - Right. Where were we? The one-legged hero. Irrespective of Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka calling it a good outing during the post-match interview, the Lankans would be honest to admit that they just about escaped from jail. If Hasaranga had not been there, they might have well been consigned to a defeat. That match does come as a surprise though. Sri Lanka are usually known as minnow beaters. And they would want to confirm that with a better display today. Calling them a one-man unit should be considered as an insult. From what we have seen over the months, the bowling stocks are pretty decent in terms of both, spin and pace. The batting could be an issue though. After the openers, the middle order seems to be a crumbling cookie and if the spinners from Oman can work through that middle order, batting issues can creep up again.

Are we there yet? No. Are we there yet? No. Anyone who has watched the trilogy of 'The Mummy' series, will recognize this as a dialogue from the second part. Not delving into films, let's stick to cricket. It's a new day, but it will be unfair if we don't talk about the morning match of Wednesday - South Africa vs Afghanistan. Easily the best contest of this World Cup so far, hearts have to go out for the Afghans who are as good as knocked out from this edition. They fought tooth and nail, took the match into a Super Over, then had another Super Over and even in that from a meaningless position where they needed 4 sixes in 4 balls, nearly did a Carlos Brathwaite. The world is still singing praises about the fight shown by the Afghans and that's precisely why we need more than just the top 8 teams in a World Cup. If the morning match was a cracker, what about the evening one? Wankhede keeps delivering exciting matches one after the other. West Indies beating England? Who would have thought that? Not many. Spinners taking 6 wickets for the Caribbeans? Who would have thought that? Not any, perhaps. The Windies will be a cock-a-hoop after this victory, with one leg already in the Super Eights and avenging their defeat in the 2024 edition at home.

We miss you, we miss you not - 'We call him 'Wow'indu in this part of the world'. This has been former Sri Lankan World Cup winner Russel Arnold's statement over Wanindu Hasaranga, not once, but multiple times. That's because Hasaranga can win you games single-handedly. Or, if we put Sri Lanka's previous match in context against Ireland, he can win you games single-leggedly. However, are the Lankans just a one-man team? If that is the case, Oman will be very happy. Loitering at the bottom of the table with a poor net run rate, they need this win to stay alive in the competition. Although a loss won't officially rule them out yet, considering Oman's current position in the table, a win is almost a necessity. Hello and a warm welcome to day 6 of the Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. It is another triple-header day, with co-hosts Sri Lanka taking on Oman in Pallekele, followed by the Italy-Nepal clash in the afternoon, before the main hosts India clash with Namibia in the evening. Let's hope another cracker of a day awaits. 

... MATCH DAY ...

Match intro - The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is already delivering on its promise of high-stakes drama and regional flair. As the action moves to the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy for Match 16, co-hosts Sri Lanka are set to face a spirited Oman. Sri Lanka enter this contest looking to solidify their path to the Super Eight, while Oman aim to prove that their associate status belies their giant-killing potential, especially after a huge loss in their opening game against Zimbabwe. Home calling - Sri Lanka started their campaign with a nervy 20-run victory over Ireland, but that win came at a high cost. Their talismanic leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. This is a massive blow, as Hasaranga’s three-wicket haul was the catalyst in their opener. The co-hosts have called up Dushan Hemantha as his replacement. While they still boast a formidable spin duo in Maheesh Theekshana and youngster Dunith Wellalage, the burden on the batting unit, led by Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, has significantly increased. Bouncing back - Oman arrived in Sri Lanka early to beat the heat, and the strategy seemed to be paying off heading into the main draw of the tournament. Led by the evergreen Jatinder Singh, the Men in Red have already shown they aren't intimidated by the big stage. Notably, they defeated a Sri Lanka A side in the official warm-up fixtures, but the wheels came off when they went up against Zimbabwe in their opening group game and were handed a hefty defeat, being outclassed in all departments. With a middle order featuring the aggressive Vinayak Shukla and the experience of Mohammad Nadeem, Oman will look to capitalize on any lapses in the Sri Lankan bowling attack following the exit of Hasaranga. Pitch and conditions - The Pallekele surface typically favours stroke makers early on, but it tends to slow down as the game progresses, offering significant turn to the spinners. With a morning start in place, the humidity will be a factor, and the captain winning the toss might prefer to bat first to avoid the afternoon heat and utilise a fresh pitch. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - Sri Lanka - WLLLW | Oman - LWWLW. Looking ahead - On paper, Sri Lanka remain the heavy favourite. Their experience and home-ground advantage are significant factors. However, Oman are a cohesive unit that thrives on disciplined bowling and fearless batting. If Sri Lanka’s top order collapses under the pressure of being the host nation, Oman’s nothing to lose attitude could lead to one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 tournament. Who are you backing for the win?