Published By: Akashdeep

ICC T20 WC: From Bilal Khan to Zeeshan Maqsood, Oman's Biggest Hopes for the Tournament

A look at the best players from Oman!

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies, marking the largest edition of the tournament to date with 20 participating teams. Across nine venues, a total of 55 matches will unfold throughout the event. In the initial round, teams are divided into four groups, each comprising five teams. Oman, having secured qualification through the Gulf Qualifiers, finds themselves in Group B, alongside challenging opponents like England, Australia, Namibia, and Scotland, presenting a formidable test for the West Asian side. Aqib Ilyas will captain Oman in the 2024 T20 World Cup. In this piece, we will spotlight five key players from Oman upon whom their aspirations rest.

 Ayaan Khan

An all-rounder holds significant appeal on any fantasy cricket platform, especially when they possess the calibre of Ayaan Khan. At 31 years old, Khan has been a pivotal figure in the team for several years, consistently delivering solid performances for Oman. Operating in the middle-order, he not only contributes with the bat but also proves to be a valuable asset as a handy left-arm spinner. With his versatility and reliability, Ayaan Khan emerges as a compelling choice for fantasy cricket teams, offering a blend of batting excellence and bowling proficiency to bolster their lineups.

Bilal Khan

Bilal Khan stands as one of the most esteemed players from his country, often relied upon as the go-to bowler by his skipper. Employing a distinctive slingy action, he poses a formidable challenge to batters with his pace and accuracy. Boasting an impressive tally of 106 T20I wickets, Bilal holds the distinction of being Oman’s leading wicket-taker. His abilities extend far beyond the international cricket arena, as he has also demonstrated his skills in prestigious leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League and the Abu Dhabi League. Bilal Khan's consistent performances and experience make him a vital asset for Oman in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

 Aqib Ilyas

Captain Aqib Ilyas emerges as a valuable asset for fantasy cricket enthusiasts, capable of delivering points in both the batting and bowling departments. Bestowed with the captaincy of Zeeshan Maqsood, Aqib's elevation is justified by his stellar performances in recent years. In T20Is, he has amassed 1176 runs, including nine half-centuries, while also claiming 37 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.93. Aqib's consistent all-round contributions make him a sought-after pick on fantasy cricket platforms, with his ability to excel in multiple facets of the game elevating his value and bolstering the chances of fantasy teams.

Team Oman out performing their rivals!

Mohammad Nadeem

Oman boasts several all-rounders in their lineup, and Mohammad Nadeem stands out as a genuine asset in this regard. Capable of bowling at any stage of the match, he offers versatility and reliability with the ball. Nadeem's bowling, characterised by a decent pace, has earned him 30 wickets at an economy rate of 7.43. With the bat, his role is crystal clear: to unleash sixes during the death overs. On his day, Nadeem has the potential to single-handedly steer his team to victory, making him a pivotal player whose contributions significantly impact Oman's fortunes on the cricket field.

Zeeshan Maqsood

Former Oman captain and arguably the team's standout player, Zeeshan Maqsood, rightfully claims the top spot. A formidable top-order batter, Maqsood adeptly handles both spin and pace bowling. His repertoire includes a T20I century, reflecting his ability to anchor innings and score big when needed. Additionally, Maqsood contributes with the ball, often chipping in with crucial wickets during the middle overs. His all-round skills and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset for Oman, capable of influencing matches with his batting, bowling, and strategic acumen, thereby solidifying his status as one of the premier cricketers in the squad.

Oman, as a country, still cannot be considered to be at the core of T20 cricket. However, if these five players work their magic, it can be a lot different for them!