Oman Quadrangular Series 2019: Match 2, IRE vs OMN: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 13th, 2019
The Quadrangular Series is a watershed moment for cricket in Oman, with the hosts trying to make a mark in the international circuit during the course of the tournament.
In their first match of the series, they take on favourites Ireland at Amerat's brilliant cricket ground which promises a lot of runs on Wednesday.
Ireland were recently granted Test status by ICC and have already found out what Oman are capable of after succumbing to two losses against a development side prior to the start of the tournament.
Oman famously won against the Irish in the 2016 T20 World Cup as well, signalling that this is far from a one-sided match. A number of key players are missing in both teams but with the stage set for a monumental showdown in Omani history, this match promises to be a cracker.
Squads to choose from:
Ireland:
Paul Stirling (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Joshua Little, Andy McBrine, Kevin O'Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker
Oman:
Ajay Lalcheta (C), Khawar Ali, Wasim Ali, Fayyaz Butt, Aamir Kaleem, Kaleemullah, Bilal Khan, Mehran Khan, Naseem Khushi, Sufyan Mehmood, Mohammad Nadeem, Khurram Nawaz, Jay Odedra, Jatinder Singh
Playing XI Updates:
Ireland:
Paul Stirling leads a new look Irish side looking to build towards the future after missing out on a World Cup spot last year. New talent such as Little, Tucker and Tector complements the experience of Kevin O'Brien and Boyd Rankin who have proven themselves as match-winners for the nation in the past.
Peter Chase and Rankin should take the new ball for the Irish with Dockrell and McBrine handling the spin duties. The presence of Simi Singh and O'Brien adds much-needed balance to a formidable Ireland side.
Possible XI: Stirling (C), Thompson, Balbirnie, Poynter, Tucker/Getkate, O'Brien, Simi, Dockrell, McBrine, Rankin and Chase.
Oman:
The absence of regular captain, Zeeshan Maqsood sees Ajay Lalcheta take up the reins as captain. Oman's stronger suit is their bowling, with the likes of Bilal Asif, Jay Odreda and Lalcheta himself capable of inflicting damage with regular wickets.
Khurram Nawaz Khan should slot into the middle order to provide stability while Mehran Khan and Khawar Ali are noted big hitters capable of clearing the boundary with ease. Sufyaan Mehmood picked up three wickets in the second practice match against the Irish and should get the nod again.
Possible XI: Jatinder, Amir, Khawar, Khurram, Mehran, Lalcheta (C), Sufyaan, Khushi (WK), Fayyaz, Odreda and Bilal Khan.
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:
Wicket-keeper: Both Stuart Poynter and Naseem Khushi are great options to have in the fantasy side although the Irishman should get the nod due to his superior batting ability.
Batsmen: Paul Stirling is one of the most destructive openers in the world and with his off-spin certain to play a part in the game, he is a must-have in the team along with Khawar Ali and Andy Balbirnie. The likes of Khurram Khan and Jatinder Singh are also viable options.
All-rounders: Kevin O'Brien and Ajay Lalcheta are bound to have a say in the match with their all-round abilities. Along with Simi Singh, the aforementioned duo are great selections for the contest on Wednesday.
Bowlers: Two of Peter Chase, Boyd Rankin and George Dockrell would suffice along with Bilal Khan and Jay Odreda. Left-arm pacer, Bilal is Oman's best bet to pick up early wickets and should be backed to do well against the Irish.
Captain: Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien are the obvious candidates for captaincy with both of them giving a good account of themselves in the practice matches. In case of an Omani option, Khawar Ali would be the appropriate choice.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Stuart Poynter (WK), Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Khawar Ali, Jatinder Singh, Kevin O'Brien, Simi Singh, Ajay Lalcheta, Bilal Khan, Jay Odreda and Peter Chase. Captain: Kevin O'Brien
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Naseem Khushi (WK), Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Khurram Khan, Khawar Ali, Simi Singh, Ajay Lalcheta, Kevin O'Brien, Bilal Khan, George Dockrell and Boyd Rankin. Captain: Paul Stirling.
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