Namibia vs Oman, ICCWCT20, Cricket Prediction: 3/6/2024

**NAM vs OMA Match Prediction & Analysis**

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup heats up, Namibia and Oman face off at the picturesque Kensington Oval in Barbados. Namibia enters the tournament with a mixed record, having won three and lost two of their last five T20Is. In contrast, Oman is in excellent form, winning four of their last five matches. These two teams last met in a five-match T20 series in May, which Namibia narrowly won 3-2. This clash promises to be thrilling!

**Teams Preview**

**Namibia Preview**

Namibia secured their spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup by dominating the Africa Regional Qualifiers, winning all six matches, including key victories over Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Key players to watch include J.P. Kotze, who has scored 231 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 25.67 and a strike rate of 108.45, bringing stability and scoring power to the team. Captain Gerhard Erasmus is another crucial player, with 145 runs in his last 5 matches at an average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 123.93. Erasmus is also effective with the ball, taking 8 wickets in just 4 matches with an economy of 4.4 runs per over and a strike rate of 11.25.

Bernard Scholtz provides valuable support, having picked up 8 wickets in 6 matches with a strike rate of 15. Namibia’s bowling depth will be key to their success.

**Namibia Predicted Playing XI:** Michael van Lingen, Nikolaas Davin, JP Kotze, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, David Wiese, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green (wk), Ben Shikongo, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Dylan Leicher.

**Oman Preview**

Oman enters this match after a thrilling Super Over victory against host Nepal in the 2023 Asia Qualifier Final, securing their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup. This will be their third World Cup appearance, underscoring their dominance after winning all five qualifier matches.

Aqib Ilyas and Naseem Khushi are key players to watch. Ilyas has scored 299 runs in his last 9 matches with an average of 42.71 and a strike rate of 129.43, while Khushi has 298 runs with an average of 33.11 and a strike rate of 204.1. Both are expected to make significant contributions.

Ilyas is also a strong bowler, claiming 17 wickets in his last 9 matches with an economy of 6.03 and a strike rate of 11.29. Bilal Khan, another key bowler, has taken 10 wickets in his last 7 matches with an economy of 8.36 and a strike rate of 15.

**Oman Predicted Playing XI:** Kashyap Prajapati, Naseem Khushi (wk), Khalid Kail, Zeeshan Maqsood, Shoaib Khan, Ayaan Khan, Rafiullah, Mohd. Nadeem, Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Aqib Ilyas (c).

**Pitch and Weather Conditions**

**Weather Conditions**
Kensington Oval offers a balanced pitch with good bounce and carry for batters, though it tends to slow down as the game progresses, aiding spinners. Seamers will need to rely on accuracy and consistent line and length due to minimal swing.

The weather in Bridgetown is expected to be mostly cloudy and humid.

**NAM vs OMA Pitch Report**
The average first innings score at Kensington Oval is 159. The highest total posted here is 224/5 by the West Indies against England in 2022. Teams batting first should aim for a score around 180-190 runs.

**Toss: To Bat**
With 16 of the 23 T20I matches at Kensington Oval won by the team batting first, the team winning the toss is likely to opt to bat first to set a formidable target.

**Winning Prediction**

Namibia enters this match with confidence, having won three of their last five matches against Oman, including their recent T20I series victory. While both teams have players capable of making a difference, Namibia’s recent form gives them the edge.

We predict Namibia to emerge victorious in this clash.