* England’s Adil Rashid bamboozles Oman batters to claim 4 for 11 (Match 28)
By Dwayne Ferreira
England returned to form decisively, demolishing Oman in just 99 balls at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Oman was skittled out for 47 in 80 balls, and England chased the target down in just 19 balls. Adil Rashid spearheaded the bowling attack with 4 for 11, and Jos Buttler sealed the chase with an unbeaten 24 off eight balls.
England’s strategy was clear: win swiftly to boost their net run-rate. Choosing to bowl first, they unleashed their top pace attack. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood each took two wickets, reducing Oman to 25 for 4 in the powerplay. Rashid’s first ball struck immediately, further crumbling Oman’s lineup.
Reece Topley set the tone with a tight one-run opening over, marking his return to T20 World Cup action since 2016. Archer dismissed Pratik Athavale early, and Aqib Ilyas followed soon after. Despite a drop by Moeen Ali, Wood quickly sent back Zeeshan Maqsood and Kashyap Prajapati, leaving Oman reeling.
Adil Rashid then dismantled the middle and lower order with precision. His four overs yielded four wickets for just 11 runs, featuring a stunning leg-break to dismiss Khalid Kail. Moeen Ali redeemed his earlier drop with a catch to remove Mehran Khan, while Wood claimed his 50th T20I wicket by dismissing Ayaan Khan. Rashid’s googlies proved too much for Fayyaz Butt and Kaleemullah, leaving Oman at 47 for 9.
Archer returned to finish off the innings, inducing a catch from Shoaib Khan, which Buttler secured.
Needing to win in 5.2 overs to improve their net run-rate, England’s chase was aggressive. Phil Salt blasted Bilal Khan’s first two balls for six but was bowled on the third. Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow continued the assault, with Bairstow hitting his first ball for four. Buttler then dominated Bilal Khan with a series of boundaries, wrapping up the match swiftly.
England’s emphatic win sets them up for a crucial clash against Namibia, while Scotland faces a tough challenge against Australia to advance to the Super Eights.
Chief Scores
Oman 47 all out in 13.2 overs ( Shoaib Khan 11, Adil Rashid 4 for 11, Mark Wood 3 for 12, Joffra Archer 3 for 12)
England 50 for 2 in 3. 1overs (Jos Buttler 24 not out)
Player of the Match – Adil Rashid
