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Sri Lanka are set to take on Oman in their second fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday morning, February 12. The co-hosts head into the contest with confidence after beginning their campaign 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 in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka made a strong statement in their opening match against Ireland, securing a 20-run victory to kick off their World Cup journey in style. Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive total of 163, a score that proved more than enough on the day. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings beautifully with an unbeaten 56 off 43 balls, showing composure and control when it mattered most. He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis, whose explosive 44 from just 19 deliveries injected late momentum into the innings and pushed Sri Lanka to a commanding total.
With the ball, the Lankan attack delivered a clinical performance. Ireland were restricted to 143 as Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga spun a web around the opposition, picking up three wickets apiece. Their ability to control the middle overs and strike at key moments underlined Sri Lanka’s balanced squad. Heading into this clash, the hosts will be keen to maintain that rhythm and tighten their grip on a knockout berth.
Oman seek redemption after Zimbabwe setback
In contrast, Oman endured a tough outing in their tournament opener against Zimbabwe. Batting first, they struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 103. Zimbabwe chased down the target comfortably in 13.3 overs, handing Oman an eight-wicket defeat and exposing frailties in their top order.
Vinayak Shukla’s 28 off 21 balls and Sufyan Mahmood’s 25 from 39 deliveries were among the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming batting display. On the bowling front, Sufian Mahmud stood out with figures of two for 12 in three overs, showing discipline and control despite defending a modest total. Oman will need a far more cohesive 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 traditionally offers a balanced surface. Early in the innings, the pitch tends to be firm and dry, allowing batters to play their shots freely as the ball comes onto the bat nicely. However, as the match progresses, the surface can slow down slightly. The average first-innings total at the venue hovers around 166, suggesting that anything close to or above that mark could be competitive.
Weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy and humid, with more than 50% chances of rain after 1 pm local time. Temperatures are likely to range between 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, with humidity level reaching around 65-75 percent by the afternoon.
In anticipation of rain, the captain winning the toss would prefer to bowl first at this venue.
