India Today’s Sabyasachi Chowdhury wrote the match preview. Here’s what he thought about the game.
Sri Lanka will aim to build on their promising start to the T20 World Cup 2026 when they take on Oman in a key Group B clash at the Pallekele International Stadium. The co-hosts opened their campaign with a solid 20-run victory over Ireland, posting 163 for six and then holding the visitors to 143. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana were instrumental in restricting Ireland, while Kamindu Mendis’s 56 anchored the innings and provided stability.
However, Sri Lanka have suffered a blow ahead of this match with Hasaranga ruled out due to a hamstring injury, after which Dushan Hemantha has been named as his replacement. Losing their lead spinner will require adjustments in the bowling line-up and could put extra pressure on the middle order to forge partnerships on a pitch that has already favored bowlers.
Oman, on the other hand, will be eager to recover after a disappointing loss to Zimbabwe. The visitors were bundled out for just 103, with the Chevrons chasing it down comfortably with eight wickets in hand. Oman’s top order struggled to make an impact, highlighting ongoing batting concerns.
