Few would have thought that Oman would be heading into this match level on points with Bangladesh and on the back of victory over Ireland.
They performed superbly in all departments to edge out the Irish and they have looked a confident group going into this match with the Netherlands.
It seems a grounded bunch and you can be assured that celebrations have been put on hold with the Omanis in position to make a real mark on this tournament after the best possible start.
For the Netherlands, they will be hoping that any over confidence turns into complacency on behalf of Oman but will take nothing for granted, especially considering they were beaten by the men from the Middle East at last year’s qualification tournament for this event.
The Dutch looked good against Bangladesh and only came up eight runs short but they showed their inexperience at key moments that could have seen the game go the other way had they been more composed.
WHAT THEY SAID
Anton Roux: “It’s extremely tough for me to demand much from the players on a professional level day-to-day. The Dutch cricketers are testament to people who really just love playing the game and they love coming to tournaments like this on the big stage. That’s where the passion comes out, it’s not from the desire to earn money.”
Duleep Mendis: “There has been a little bit of celebration but we have a long way to go. We have two important games but obviously it was a good win and we want to celebrate. I think it has had a big impact back in Oman because football is number 1 in Oman but cricket is starting to grow. Especially the locals, they are getting into cricket and this victory will have a big impact on cricket in Oman.”
LAST FOUR RESULTS
NETHERLANDS
Bangladesh (153-7) beat Netherlands (145-7) by 8 runs
Scotland (N/R)
Afghanistan (152-9) beat Netherlands (136/4) by 16 runs
Scotland (140/5) beat Netherlands 103 by 37 runs
OMAN
Ireland (154-5) lost to Oman (157-8) by two wickets
Afghanistan (N/R)
Oman (161/6) beat Scotland (147/7) by 14 runs
UAE (172/6) beat Oman (101/8) by 71 runs
PREDICTION
It’s hard to look past Oman on the back of their historic win on Wednesday but the Netherlands were also impressive in defeat to Bangladesh. Have to go with Oman, however, and see them riding this wave into a decider against the Tigers.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
