MUSCAT : Oman received a timely confidence boost ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign as they edged past Zimbabwe by four wickets with four balls to spare in a thrilling warm-up match on Thursday, underlining their growing readiness for the global showpiece.

The victory was particularly significant as it came against a Test-playing nation they are set to face again in their Group B World Cup opener on February 9 in Colombo. Oman are drawn along with Zimbabwe, hosts Sri Lanka, Ireland and former world champions Australia.

Beating Zimbabwe, even in a warm-up, reinforced the solid preparation of the Duleep Mendis-coached side, who have quietly built momentum in the lead-up to the tournament.

Oman had earlier overcome Sri Lanka A in another warm-up encounter and now head into the World Cup on the back of two successive wins. High on confidence, the team enters its fourth T20 World Cup with belief and balance firmly on its side.

On Thursday, Oman showcased both discipline with the ball and composure with the bat to chase down a challenging target of 188.

Oman’s reply began briskly, with experienced Aamir Kaleem continuing from the previous warm-up game when he hit 80. Kaleem smashed 23 off 11 balls to set the tone for a perfect chase with Jatinder Singh, who anchored the innings with a fluent 55 off 33 balls before retiring out. Jatinder’s knock, laced with eight fours and one six, provided stability and allowed the middle order to play with freedom.

Jatinder Singh and Hammad Mirza were involved with a steady 79-run partnership for the second wicket. Mirza played his role to perfection with a well-paced 35 off 25 deliveries, which included seven boundaries, ensuring Oman stayed ahead of the required rate.

After a brief wobble in the middle overs, Jiten Ramanandi produced a breezy and decisive unbeaten knock of 34 from just 18 balls. His late assault, studded with four boundaries and two sixes, was supported by handy cameos from Karan Sonavale (15) and Vinayak Shukla (10), kept the pressure firmly on Zimbabwe’s bowlers.

Oman eventually crossed the line at 188 for 6 in 19.2 overs, completing a polished chase and rounding off a highly encouraging warm-up phase.

Oman put their rivals to bat first and were tested early by Zimbabwe’s aggressive start. Brian Bennett led the charge with a blistering 56 off just 28 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes to propel Zimbabwe to 86 for 1 inside eight overs. Brendan Taylor provided support with a steady 26 before retiring out, as Zimbabwe looked set for a big total.

However, the momentum swung decisively once Sufyan Mehmood was introduced. The seamer underlined his value as a genuine breakthrough bowler, removing Bennett and then triggering a mini collapse with quick strikes. He finished with impressive figures of 3 for 22 from four overs, breaking the back of Zimbabwe’s middle order as he dismissed Ryan Burl and Dion Myers.

Spinner Nadeem Khan complemented him well, picking up two wickets for 26 and tightening the screws through the middle overs. Despite a late flourish from Tashinga Musekiwa, who remained unbeaten on a rapid 54 off 28 balls, Zimbabwe were restricted to 187 for 7, a total that looked competitive but gettable.

Ahead of the World Cup, which begins on February 7, Oman will be encouraged by the rhythm found by their bowling unit, the assurance shown by their experienced batters, and the growing confidence running through the squad.

The focus now shifts to the main tournament, where Oman will open their campaign against Zimbabwe once again — this time with a valuable psychological edge, even as they remain aware that the World Cup demands a fresh contest every time they take the field.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 187/7 (Brian Bennett 56, Tashinga Musekiwa 54; Sufyan Mehmood 3/22, Nadeem Khan 2/26) lost to Oman 188/6 in 19.2 overs (Jatinder Singh 55, Hammad Mirza 35, Jiten Ramanandi 34; Blessing Muzarabani 2/41).

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