PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: With elimination confirmed but purpose intact, Oman approach their final ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group B match determined to translate experience into performance when they face Australia on Friday.

The match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium brings the curtain down on both teams’ campaigns, yet for Oman it offers a meaningful platform, an opportunity to test growth against elite opposition and leave the tournament with renewed belief.

The match begins at 5.30pm Oman time (7pm local time).

Forecasts of passing showers around match time could influence proceedings, potentially interrupting rhythm and demanding adaptability from both sides. Oman, who have spent the tournament adjusting to conditions and tempo at the highest level, will again need composure as much as skill. On Thursday, showers forced the Oman team to train indoors after evening rain disrupted their scheduled session at Pallekele ground.

Captain Jatinder Singh emphasised that motivation remains strong despite three heavy defeats and elimination. “We need to play more against better teams. This tournament has been a great learning experience,” he said. “There is no pressure and the boys are motivated. We don’t get many chances to play cricket powerhouses like Australia and we are keen to give our best. It is a suitable time to take them on and hopefully we can beat them.”

At the pre-match press conference, Jatinder also highlighted the importance of franchise exposure and stronger opposition. “We need to play against stronger teams to improve at this stage. The amount and quality of cricket we play does not help us perform at the World Cup,” he said.

Australia, meanwhile, have remained in Pallekele since their previous fixture against Sri Lanka – a defeat that confirmed one of their most disappointing global campaigns in recent memory.

Head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the emotional weight of elimination but insisted focus remains clear.

“We’ve got a pretty devastated group, it’s fair to say,” McDonald said. “But you’re still playing a World Cup game for your country. We’ve got to plan and prepare accordingly.”

He stressed that Australia’s struggles were collective rather than attributable to a single factor. Injuries sidelined Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, while Mitchell Marsh missed early matches and Tim David returned late from injury.

Oman and Australia share recent tournament history. When they met in the Caribbean in June, 2024, Australia won by 39 runs in Bridgetown. A standout moment came when then Oman captain Aqib Ilyas dismissed Glenn Maxwell with a spectacular catch. Australia recovered through an unbeaten 67 from Marcus Stoinis, supported by David Warner. From the current Oman squad, only spinner Shakeel Ahmed featured in that match, underscoring how much the team has evolved since while quite of few Aussie players are still in the current team, including the match hero Stoinis.

For Oman, Friday’s fixture represents more than a closing assignment — it is a chance to apply lessons in execution, control and composure. Australia, despite disappointment, remain rich in experience with six ODI and one T20 World Cup titles.

McDonald emphasised the importance of finishing strongly. “There won’t be any lack of motivation. It’s an opportunity to finish the journey this group started.”

As the Oman side coached by Duleep Mendis prepares for their final match of the tournament, the objective is clear: compete with freedom and demonstrate growth earned through experience.

Teams (from): Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohammad Nadeem, Jay Odedra, Ashish Odedara, Shafiq Jan.

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith.

Match starts at 5.30pm, Oman time.