Oman fight back to restrict PNG to 129 in WC opener

A slow start and then a slow finish has meant that PNG have been restricted to a below-par score by the hosts.

They were asked to bat first, nerves took over and they were soon reduced to 0 for 2.

Assad Vala, their captain and their best batter then led the counter-punch. He was well supported by Charles Amini, together they added 81 runs for the third wicket, a record stand for PNG.

At 81 for 2 in the 12th over, they looked good for a big finish. Then came a misunderstanding, Amini was left high and dry by his captain, and Oman breathed fire.

It was then the turn of Oman's captain, Zeeshan Maqsood, to shine and he did so with 4 for 20, the best ever figures for his country in T20Is.

130 is what Oman need to start their campaign on a winning note. But don't write off the spirited PNG. They'll look to make the chase as difficult as possible.