Rain Curtails Afghanistan v Oman Warm-Up Match

Inclement weather conditions thwarted a potentially exciting encounter between Oman and Afghanistan in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match.

Despite a delayed start due to rain in Trinidad, Oman managed to put on a show at Queen’s Park Oval, posting a commendable 154 for three in their 20 overs, led by a stellar performance from captain Aqib Ilyas.

Unfortunately, the rain returned, preventing Afghanistan from starting their innings and leading to the match being abandoned.

Aqib Ilyas Shines Amidst Rainy Conditions

Aqib Ilyas’ unbeaten 66 was the standout performance in a rain-affected match between Oman and Afghanistan, which was called off after only Oman had their turn at the crease.

Oman began their innings on a high note, smashing 35 runs in the first four overs before Pratik Athavale was dismissed for 15 by Azmatullah Omarzai after one pull shot too many.

This dismissal brought Aqib Ilyas to the crease, where he remained until the end of Oman’s innings, leading the scoring.

Aqib first formed a 62-run partnership with Kashyap Prajapati, who steadily built his runs. A misunderstanding between the two resulted in Kashyap being run out by Rashid Khan for 35.

Zeeshan Maqsood, eager to build on his 45 against Papua New Guinea, hit a four off his third ball. However, Aqib’s consistent scoring ensured he finished as the top scorer, reaching his half-century off 40 balls. Zeeshan was dismissed lbw by Naveen-ul-Haq on the final ball of the innings for 35.

Aqib’s 66 came off 48 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before the rain returned, bringing an early end to the day’s only warm-up match.

Match Summary

Afghanistan v Oman – Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Oman 154/3 in 20.0 overs (Aqib Ilyas 66*; Zeeshan Maqsood 35; Azmatullah Omarzai 1/23, Naveen-Ul-Haq 1/26)

Result: Match abandoned due to rain