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Oman will take on Malaysia in Match 6 of the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday, September 26. The Group B encounter will be played at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, and is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM IST. The fixture carries significant importance for Oman after they suffered a 41-run defeat against Hong Kong in their opening game.
Oman were restricted to 80/6 while chasing Hong Kong’s 122-run target, leaving them needing a victory against Malaysia to remain in contention for a place in the quarter-finals. The side is captained by Sufyan Mehmood and consists entirely of Omani players, with the squad featuring several players making their mark at the international level.
Interestingly, Oman used seven players with the Al Balushi surname in their XI against Hong Kong. Mohammed Al Balushi, Shuaib Al Balushi, Zubair Al Balushi and Waheed Al Balushi occupied the top four batting positions, while Mohammed, Shuaib and Nawed Al Balushi also contributed with the ball.
With little time between the two matches, Oman could retain a similar combination against Malaysia.
Mohammed Al Balushi is likely to continue as one of Oman’s opening batters. He scored only two runs against Hong Kong but made an impact with the ball, claiming three wickets for 17 runs.
His all-round ability gives the captain an additional option during the innings. Mohammed has already shown that he can make an impact in T20 cricket, having scored 81 against Bahrain earlier in 2026.
Shuaib Al Balushi should partner Mohammed at the top of the order. He scored 20 runs against Hong Kong and also picked up a wicket.
The experienced all-rounder has played six T20Is for Oman and offers balance to the XI. His ability to contribute in both departments could be important against Malaysia.
Zubair Al Balushi is expected to retain his place in the top order despite being dismissed for a duck in the opening game.
He has already represented Oman in six T20Is and will be keen to make a stronger contribution with the bat. His role could become particularly important if Malaysia’s bowlers make early inroads.
Waheed Al Balushi made his T20I debut against Hong Kong and batted at No. 4. He managed just one run in his first international outing.
However, Oman are likely to give him another opportunity. His inclusion provides continuity to the top order, while another innings could help him settle into international cricket.
Captain Sufyan Mehmood is expected to occupy a key middle-order position and lead the side from the front.
With Oman needing a win, his leadership will be particularly important. He will also have to manage a bowling attack that contains several all-round options and relatively inexperienced players.
Nawed Al Balushi is likely to retain his place as one of the team’s principal all-rounders. He bowled effectively against Hong Kong and has previous T20I experience, including a four-wicket haul on debut against Singapore.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a useful option for Oman in a must-win encounter.
Issa Al Balushi should feature in the lower middle order. He scored seven runs against Hong Kong after coming in at No. 7.
Although his international batting numbers are modest, his experience within the Oman setup could make him a useful supporting option, particularly if the top order fails to provide enough runs.
Muzaffar Shiralkar is expected to continue as Oman’s wicketkeeper. He is also the vice-captain and one of the senior members of the squad.
His dual responsibility behind the stumps and with the bat makes him an important component of the XI. Oman will expect him to provide stability in the lower middle order.
Ahmed Al Zadjali could retain his position in the bowling attack. He is part of Oman’s official 15-member Asian Games squad and provides another option for the captain when rotating his bowlers.
Against Malaysia’s aggressive batting lineup, maintaining discipline through the middle overs will be crucial.
Faris Al Balushi is another possible option for the lower order and bowling unit. The left-handed batter has played two matches for Oman and was part of the squad that travelled to the Asian Games.
The team management could also consider Qais Al Balushi or Wasim Al Balushi depending on the conditions and the balance they want from the bowling attack.
Sameer Othman is expected to complete the XI as another bowling option. He is part of Oman’s 15-member squad and could be trusted with a role in the attack if the team opts to maintain the combination used in the opening fixture.
Mohammed Al Balushi, Shuaib Al Balushi, Zubair Al Balushi, Waheed Al Balushi, Sufyan Mehmood (c), Nawed Al Balushi, Issa Al Balushi, Muzaffar Shiralkar (wk), Ahmed Al Zadjali, Faris Al Balushi, Sameer Othman
Note: This is a predicted XI based on Oman’s announced squad and their opening-match combination against Hong Kong. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.
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