Sri Lanka they are going to take Oman in his second match ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Thursday morning, February 12 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Both hosts go into the competition with confidence after starting their campaigns on a winning note, while Oman will be desperate to bounce back from a disappointing start and register their first points of the tournament.
Sri Lanka aim to extend winning start at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka made a strong statement in their opening match against Ireland, securing a 20-run win to start their World Cup journey in style. The hosts scored 163 in the first innings, which proved to be more than enough for the day. Kusal Mendis showed composure and control when it mattered most, closing the innings beautifully with an unbeaten 56 off 43. He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis, whose 44 off just 19 deliveries sparked the late innings and took Sri Lanka to the total.
With the ball, the Lankan attack put in a clinical performance. Ireland were restricted to 143 Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga spun a net around the oppositioncollects three gates each. Their ability to control the middle order and strike at key moments highlighted Sri Lanka’s balanced line-up. Going into this clash, the hosts will want to maintain this rhythm and strengthen their grip on the knockout stage.
Oman looking to bounce back after Zimbabwe debacle
In contrast, Oman faced a tough challenge in their tournament opener against Zimbabwe. Batting first, they struggled to build a partnership and scored a total of 103. Zimbabwe comfortably chased down the target in 13.3 overs, handing Oman the loss of eight wickets and exposing weaknesses in their top order.
Vinayak Shukla’s 28 off 21 and Sufyan Mahmood’s 25 off 39 were among the few bright spots in an otherwise stunning batting display. On the bowling front, Sufian Mahmood, despite defending a meager total, displayed discipline and control, picking up figures of 12 for three overs. Oman will need to put in a tighter effort with the bat if they are to challenge a confident Sri Lankan side.
Pallekele Pitch Report and Weather Forecast for SL vs OMA clash
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a traditionally balanced surface. At the beginning of the innings, the pitch tends to be firm and dry, allowing the batsmen to play their shots freely as the ball comes into the bat nicely. However, the surface may slow down a bit as the match progresses. Average first shots at the venue hover around 166, suggesting anything near or above that mark can be competitive.
Weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy and humid, with a more than 50% chance of rain after 13:00 local time. It is expected that the air temperature will be 22-28 degrees, and the humidity will be 65-75 percent during the day.
On the eve of rain, the captain who wins the toss prefers to bowl first in this venue.
Also READ: Mayanti Langer, Laura McGoldrick to Grace Hayden: Complete List of Hosts for T20 World Cup 2026
