Revenge or Repeat? Zimbabwe and Oman Set for Group B Showdown
By Crick tv
Updated: Feb 09, 2026 12:28 PM
If you thought the warm-up matches were just meaningless friendlies, think again. Just four days ago, Oman stunned Zimbabwe with a four-wicket victory at the Colombo Cricket Club. Today, the stakes are infinitely higher.
As the sun rises over Colombo this Monday morning, the narrative for Match 8 of the T20 World Cup is already written: Redemption.
Zimbabwe enters the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) not just looking for points, but looking to settle a score. For Oman, this isn't just about causing an upset anymore; they’ve already beaten this team. They know they can do it. And that belief makes them dangerous.
The Warm-Up Wake-Up Call
Let’s be honest—Zimbabwe would have preferred a quieter lead-up to the tournament. Losing to an Associate nation, even in a warm-up, sends ripples of anxiety through a Full Member dressing room. Oman chased down 187 with relative ease last week, thanks to a brilliant fifty from skipper Jatinder Singh and some disciplined bowling from Sufyan Mehmood.
For the Chevrons (Zimbabwe), that loss was a splash of cold water. Today, we find out if it woke them up or if it exposed a crack that Oman is ready to pry open again.
Team News & Key Battles
Zimbabwe: The Return of the Legend
The headline act for Zimbabwe is the presence of Brendan Taylor. Seeing his name back on the team sheet for a World Cup in 2026 is the stuff of fairytales. His experience is invaluable in a middle order that can sometimes be brittle.
But the man carrying the weight of the nation is still Sikandar Raza. The captain has to fire today. If Raza dominates the middle overs against the Oman spinners, Zimbabwe wins. If he goes early, panic could set in. Keep an eye on young Brian Bennett, too—he was the lone bright spot in the warm-up with a rapid 56.
Oman: Quiet Confidence
Oman is no longer just "happy to be here." They have a balanced attack that suits the Sri Lankan conditions perfectly. Jatinder Singh is in form, and his battle against Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead, Blessing Muzarabani, will likely define the powerplay. If Muzarabani can’t get early swing, Oman’s batters will fancy their chances on this track.
The Venue: SSC, Colombo
The Sinhalese Sports Club is steeped in history, but for T20s, it can be tricky. It traditionally offers something for everyone, but with the humidity in Colombo (forecasted around 58% and cloudy), the ball might swing early before the spinners take over.
Given the warm-up result, expect the captain winning the toss to bowl first. Neither team will want the pressure of setting a target in a match that feels like a "must-win" this early in the group stages.
The Verdict
On paper, Zimbabwe is the favorite. They have the pedigree, the star power in Raza and Taylor, and the pace of Muzarabani. But cricket isn't played on paper, and Oman has the psychological edge right now.
I expect Zimbabwe to come out hard, fueled by the embarrassment of last week. They should have enough firepower to get over the line, but don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the last over.
Prediction: Zimbabwe to win (but expect nail-biting drama).
What’s your call? Will the Chevrons exact their revenge, or will the Men from the Sultanate prove that their warm-up win was no fluke? Let me know in the comments!
Catch the action live at 3:00 PM Local Time.