Oman Captain Aqib Ilyas Urges Team to Focus on Performance, Not Opponent’s Reputation, Ahead of World Cup Clash with Australia

Oman’s cricket captain, Aqib Ilyas, has urged his team to focus on their game plan and not be intimidated by the big names in the Australian lineup as they prepare for their World Cup fixture against the reigning champions. This match is crucial for Oman, who are coming off a narrow Super Over loss to Namibia. 

Ilyas emphasized that once on the field, the reputation of the opposition should not matter. “Once you step into the field, there is no big name, there is no one bigger than you at the field,” he stated. “It’s another game for us, and we don’t think that we are going to play someone extraordinary.”

He encouraged his teammates to see the Australians as equals, despite their star-studded roster. “I don’t have to go and tell them [my teammates] as a captain that you are going to face [Mitchell] Starc,” Ilyas explained. “It’s been very positive from the management and the coach. We don’t even take their names – it’s just a team that has come and still they are at the same level as we are.”

Ilyas believes that playing on a low-bouncing Kensington Oval pitch could work to Oman’s advantage, especially with their spin attack. He noted that Australia will be missing two of their top spin players, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, which could further level the playing field.

“You see the last match, how the ball was turning and staying low,” Ilyas said. “Australia had a few good technique players [against spin] in the past like [Steven] Smith and [Marnus] Labuschagne but I don’t think they have many now. They look to hit big. If the same wicket is there, maybe it can be a problem for them.”

Ilyas also referenced a recent match where Papua New Guinea’s bowlers made it difficult for the West Indies to chase down 130 runs, suggesting that Oman could cause similar problems for Australia if the pitch favors spin.

Reflecting on the mental approach to facing a team like Australia, Ilyas emphasized the importance of mental strength and tactical preparation. “It’s just about the areas because the ball doesn’t know how big the batsman in front of it [is]. If it turns a bit, it stays low or anything happens, the batsman is gone.”

He acknowledged that while Oman respects Australia, the focus should be on performance during the match. “It depends how it goes after the game. It might happen they also take our name,” he said. “Anything is possible. This is cricket. We respect them a lot as cricketers. But before the game, it’s a tactical thing, so we have to be mentally strong.”

As Oman gears up to face Australia, Ilyas’s message is clear: respect the opponent, but don’t be overwhelmed by their reputation. The focus remains on executing their game plan and using the conditions to their advantage, with hopes of making a significant impact in the tournament.

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