T20 World Cup 2026: Predicting Ireland XI and Oman XI for Match 22

Ireland will take on Oman in a Group-stage fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 14 at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, with both teams still searching for their first win of the tournament. Having suffered two defeats each, the contest carries added importance as both sides look to keep their campaigns alive.

Ireland come into the match after back-to-back losses against Sri Lanka and Australia. Their most recent outing saw their batting unravel against Australia, where Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis exposed Ireland’s struggles against spin and pace variations. Oman, meanwhile, have endured heavy defeats against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, with their batting repeatedly failing to cope with pressure despite a few individual efforts.

The Colombo surface has consistently rewarded bowlers who rely on variations rather, as  slower deliveries, cutters and changes of pace have been particularly effective, making shot selection and strike rotation critical for batters.

Predicted Ireland Playing XI

Top Order: Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker

Ireland are set to be without captain Paul Stirling, who picked up a knee injury against Australia and retired hurt early in the innings. In his absence, Ross Adair is expected to open alongside Lorcan Tucker, who could be pushed up the order to counter spin during the powerplay. Tucker’s 24 off 27 in the previous match showed composure on a challenging surface.

Middle Order: Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany

Harry Tector remains central to Ireland’s batting plans despite being dismissed for a duck against Australia. George Dockrell was Ireland’s standout batter in that match, scoring 41 off 29 balls and showing positive intent against spin. Gareth Delany provides balance in the middle order and an additional bowling option.

Lower Order: Curtis Campher, Mark Adair

Curtis Campher and Mark Adair add all-round depth, though Ireland will expect more substantial contributions after brief cameos in the last game. Their role in stabilising the innings during the middle overs could prove decisive.

Bowlers: Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Ben White, Matthew Humphreys

Josh Little will lead the attack with the new ball, while Barry McCarthy’s cutters and change-ups will come into play in Colombo conditions. Ben White and Matthew Humphreys will handle the spin duties. Ireland will rely on heavily on them against an Oman batting unit that has struggled against slower bowling.

Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Predicted Oman Playing XI

Top Order: Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla

Oman’s top order has failed to provide strong starts in the tournament so far. Captain Jatinder Singh was dismissed cheaply in the previous match, while Vinayak Shukla will be tasked with providing stability during the powerplay.

Middle Order: Mohammad Nadeem, Wasim Ali, Hammad Mirza

Mohammad Nadeem has been Oman’s most reliable batter, producing a fighting 53 in the previous game. Wasim Ali showed intent with a quick 27 in the last game, while Hammad Mirza will need to play a more responsible role to prevent middle-order collapses.

Lower Order: Aamir Kaleem, Jay Odedra

Aamir Kaleem brings balance with his left-arm spin and batting ability, while Jay Odedra adds depth if Oman once again lose early wickets.

Bowlers: Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jiten Ramanandi

Nadeem Khan and Sufyan Mehmood are expected to rely on cutters and pace-off deliveries, while leg-spinner Jiten Ramanandi could be a key wicket-taking option on a surface that has consistently rewarded variation.

Oman T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Jatinder Singh (c), Vinayak Shukla, Mohammad Nadeem, Shakeel Ahmad, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Shah Faisal, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Jay Odedra, Shafiq Jan, Ashish Odedara, Jiten Ramanandi, Aamir Kaleem

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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