England go up against Oman in the T20 World Cup on Thursday knowing that only a win will do if they wish to have any chance of progressing from Group B.
Jos Buttler's side realistically need to produce one of their most dominant performances in the history of this competition to catch-up with Scotland's superior net-run-rate.
Match preview
© Reuters
Before the tournament, the assumption was that England and Australia would breeze through Group B given the presence of Scotland, Namibia and Oman as their opponents.
However, England face the genuine prospect of an early exit, the persistent rain during their fixture with Scotland benefitting the minnows far more than the defending champions.
Scotland have since reached five points and accumulated a huge net-run-rate with one match remaining, a fixture against Australia on June 15.
Having lost to the Baggy Greens on Saturday, England must now post victories by wide margins against Oman and Namibia if they are to threaten the Tartan Army.
Although England can count themselves unfortunate against Scotland, Australia were deserved winners at the weekend, hitting over 200 runs with the bat and England simply failing to keep touch in their reply.
As for Oman, they can be satisfied with the account that they have given in this tournament, with the downside being they suffered a super-over defeat to Namibia in their opening fixture.
Respect was earned in only going down by 39 runs to Australia, but they were comprehensively outplayed by Scotland last time out, Scotland reaching their target of 151 with 41 balls to spare.
England are naturally clear favourites to make their extra class count in this contest, yet Oman causing some issues during periods in the game would not come as a surprise.
Team News
The places of several England players are at risk with Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood potentially missing out.
Ben Duckett, Sam Curran and Reece Topley will all feel they can bring something to the side if handed an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Zeeshan Maqsood may drop out of the Oman side after scores of one and three respectively, with Kashyap Prajapati possibly being recalled in his place.
Mohammad Nadeem - who is 41 years of age - will also hope to be recalled for what may be his final game at this level of cricket.
England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
Oman squad: Aqib Ilyas (c), Zeeshan Maqsood, Kashyap Prajapati, Pratik Athavale, Ayaan Khan, Shoaib Khan, Mohammad Nadeem, Naseem Khushi, Mehran Khan, Bilal Khan, Rafiullah, Kaleemullah, Fayyaz Butt, Shakeel Ahmad, Khalid Kail
Series so far
England
Match One: No result
Scotland - 90-0 (10)
England - did not bat
Match Two: Australia won by 36 runs
Australia - 201-7 (20)
England - 165-6 (20)
Oman
Match One: Namibia won super-over
Oman - 109 (19.4) and 10-1
Namibia - 109-6 (20) and 21-0
Match Two: Australia win by 39 runs
Australia - 164-5 (20)
Oman - 125-9 (20)
Match Three: Scotland won by seven wickets
Oman - 150-7 (20)
Pakistan - 153-3 (13.1)
We say: England to win
Much could depend on the toss with England's openers having the ability to take the game away from Oman before it has really started. The 2022 winners should come through with flying colours and they will want to win well given Scotland's efforts versus the same opponents.
Darren Plant
