Scotland surged to the top of Group B in the T20 World Cup 2024 with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Oman, who were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. Brandon McMullen's commanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 61, played a pivotal role in Scotland's triumph. Despite a commendable effort from Oman, where Pratik Athavale's half-century and Ayaan Khan's unbeaten 41* in the latter part of their innings helped them post a competitive total of 150/7 on a sluggish Antigua pitch, Scotland's batsmen made the chase look effortless.
The Scottish top-order responded with an aggressive approach, particularly highlighted by opener George Munsey's explosive start, which laid a robust foundation for the chase. McMullen's steady innings ensured Scotland crossed the finish line with 6.5 overs to spare, securing a dominant position at the top of the group and sending Oman out of the competition.
Scotland's Commanding Performance
While Oman struggled to maintain their momentum in the middle overs, Scotland’s duo of Brandon McMullen and George Munsey attacked the slower bowlers, effectively neutralising the pitch conditions. Scotland's aggressive batting saw them hitting eight sixes and as many boundaries in just 7.1 overs, quickly chasing down their target with 6.5 overs to spare. This aggressive approach contrasted sharply with the balanced power play from both sides.
Oman's Innings
Oman's innings began positively despite early setbacks in the powerplay, finishing at 53/2 with a run rate of 8.83. Naseem Khushi's tentative start ended when he misjudged a scoop shot off Christopher Sole in the third over. Pratik Athavale then shifted gears, partnering with new batter Aqib Ilyas. However, Ilyas's stay was brief; after hitting a four and a six off Sole, he was trapped LBW by Safyaan Sharif. Athavale displayed a wide range of shots, collecting boundaries off both Brad Wheal and Sharif, setting Oman up at 53/2 after six overs.
Athavale Anchors in the Middle Overs
As Oman transitioned into the middle overs, Athavale kept the scoreboard ticking, but regular wicket losses hampered their progress. Zeeshan Maqsood fell to an extra bounce, edging behind to the wicketkeeper, while Khalid Kail was run out when Athavale pulled out of a second run. Breaking a streak of 25 boundary-less deliveries, Athavale smashed Sole for a six. On 48, he was dropped by George Munsey, who inadvertently pushed the ball over the ropes, giving Athavale his fifty off 38 balls. This steady knock helped Oman stabilise in the later stages of the middle overs.
In the death overs, Ayaan Khan's unbeaten 41* provided a crucial boost for Oman, taking them to a total of 150/7. Athavale’s departure in the 16th over, attempting a slog sweep off Chris Greaves, stalled Oman's momentum. Mehran Khan added a couple of boundaries but was eventually dismissed for 13, and Rafiullah was quickly out. Ayaan anchored the innings, adding key runs in the final over, including two fours off Sharif, to set a competitive total on a challenging Antigua pitch.
Scotland's chase began explosively after a quiet first over. Michael Jones ignited the innings with two sixes off Shakeel Ahmed. However, his innings were cut short by Bilal Khan. McMullen and Munsey then took the reins, attacking the bowlers and quickly accumulating boundaries. Despite Shakeel’s expensive opening spell, he was promptly removed from the attack. McMullen, surviving a chance off Kaleemullah in the final powerplay over, hit two boundaries to reach 50/1 after the powerplay.
Despite Munsey’s departure shortly after the powerplay, his aggressive 20-ball 41 laid a strong foundation. He hit two consecutive sixes off Oman captain Ilyas and followed up with a four and a six off Mehran Khan, pushing Scotland's run rate over 10. Though Mehran eventually dismissed Munsey, McMullen continued the assault. He welcomed Zeeshan Maqsood with a four and a six in the same over, bringing Scotland's total to 100 by the end of the ninth. McMullen, who reached his fifty in 27 balls, carried the innings forward even after Richie Berrington’s brief cameo. Matthew Cross finished the game emphatically, hitting Ayaan for two consecutive sixes to level the scores by the end of the 13th over.
Future Matches
Oman will stay in place to face England on Thursday. Meanwhile, Scotland has a five-day break before heading to St Lucia to play against Australia in their final group match on Saturday.