Oman And Zimbabwe Shine In T20 World Cup Warm-Ups

The buzz in the cricketing world is unmistakable as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 edges ever closer, with warm-up matches already igniting passions across India and Sri Lanka. From seasoned veterans rolling back the years to young talents staking their claim, the opening fixtures have set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament on subcontinental soil. With 16 warm-up games packed into a tight window between February 2 and February 6, teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the perfect combination ahead of the main event, which kicks off on February 7.

Cricket fans in Bengaluru, Navi Mumbai, Chennai, and Colombo are being treated to a feast of international action, with matches staged at iconic venues such as the BCCI Centre of Excellence, DY Patil Stadium, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, SSC Cricket Ground, R. Premadasa Stadium, and Colombo Cricket Club Ground. The schedule is relentless, but the stakes are high—every run, wicket, and tactical tweak could make all the difference once tournament play begins.

February 3 brought two standout contests that captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. At the Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Oman squared off against Sri Lanka A in a match that saw experience trump youth. Oman’s Aamer Kaleem, defying the odds at 44 years old, delivered a masterclass with the bat, hammering 80 runs off just 47 balls. His innings, laced with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, was the backbone of Oman’s successful chase of 146.

Sri Lanka A, having won the toss and chosen to bat, started brightly thanks to opener Dulnith Selgara’s brisk 20 off 14 balls. But Oman's disciplined bowling attack soon took control. The trio of Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, and Jay Odedra each claimed two wickets, applying constant pressure and ensuring wickets fell at regular intervals. Chamindu Wickramasinghe’s unbeaten 24 provided some late resistance, while Wanuja Sahan chipped in with 29 runs, but Sri Lanka A could only muster 145 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Oman’s chase was far from straightforward, with wickets tumbling at the other end as left-arm spinner Wanuja Sahan wreaked havoc, claiming 3 for 22. Yet Kaleem, opening the innings, remained unflappable. He was the glue holding the chase together, and when he eventually departed, wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla took up the mantle, finishing unbeaten on 39. Oman reached their target with two overs to spare, sealing a five-wicket victory that will surely boost their confidence heading into the World Cup.

Meanwhile, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe marked their return to the T20 World Cup stage with a clinical display against the Netherlands. Electing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 178 for 9, thanks in no small part to Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 50 off 31 balls and Dion Myers’s explosive 32 from just 14 deliveries. Brad Evans and Tony Munyonga added useful cameos, helping Zimbabwe surge towards the 180-mark despite Logan van Beek’s impressive 3 for 22 for the Dutch.

The Netherlands’ reply got off to a disastrous start, with left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava striking twice in the very first over, removing both Max O’Dowd and Bas de Leede for ducks. The Dutch never really recovered from those early blows, losing two more wickets inside the PowerPlay. Skipper Scott Edwards tried to steady the ship with a gritty 26, while van Beek offered some late fireworks with an unbeaten 40. But Zimbabwe’s spinners, Graeme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza, tightened the screws, each picking up two wickets to ensure the Netherlands fell short at 149 all out. Zimbabwe’s 29-run victory was as comprehensive as they come, a clear statement of intent as they gear up for the main tournament.

These matches are more than just tune-ups; they’re a vital opportunity for teams to finalize their XIs, manage workloads, and adapt to the unique challenges of subcontinental conditions. With the World Cup format featuring 20 teams split into four groups of five, and only the top two from each group progressing to the Super 8 stage, every bit of preparation counts. The Super 8s will then whittle the field down further, with the semifinals and final looming large on the horizon. The grand finale is set for March 8, and teams know that momentum gained now could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Off the field, the excitement is just as palpable. The ICC has ensured that fans around the world can follow every ball, with extensive live broadcast and streaming options. In India, Star Sports and Jio Hotstar are bringing the action to millions, while fans in Sri Lanka can tune in via ThePapare and Dialog Play. North American viewers have access through Willow, and cricket lovers in the UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and Africa are all catered for through a variety of networks and digital platforms. For those lucky enough to be near the venues, tickets for marquee warm-up games like USA vs India A and India vs South Africa at DY Patil Stadium are available both online and at the box office, adding to the festival-like atmosphere.

And what of the defending champions? India, led by a new generation of stars, are set to play a high-profile warm-up against South Africa on February 4 in Navi Mumbai. India A, meanwhile, have fixtures against USA and Namibia, giving selectors a final look at fringe players and potential combinations. The warm-up schedule also features intriguing clashes such as Afghanistan vs West Indies, Pakistan vs Ireland, and Australia vs Netherlands, ensuring no shortage of talking points as the cricketing caravan rolls on.

For teams like Oman and Zimbabwe, early wins in the warm-ups are more than just morale boosters—they’re proof that preparation and belief can upset the established order. As Aamer Kaleem’s heroics and Zimbabwe’s all-round strength have shown, the so-called underdogs are ready to bite. The coming days will see more teams lay down their markers, more stars emerge, and more dreams kindled as cricket’s shortest format takes center stage once again.

With the warm-up matches offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, one thing is clear: the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments from the very first ball. As the teams fine-tune their strategies and fans gear up for a month-long spectacle, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. The world’s best are ready—let the games begin!