Oman captain Jatinder Singh has delivered a bold message ahead of his side’s final group-stage clash against Australia national cricket team, saying the time is right “to crush” the struggling former champions in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

The Group B league stage concludes Friday with Australia already eliminated following back-to-back defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Led by Mitchell Marsh, the 2021 champions failed to reach the Super 8s after an injury-hit campaign that saw key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined.

Despite Oman also being winless so far, Jatinder struck an optimistic tone in the pre-match press conference. “It is an opportunity. Our boys are looking forward to it because T20 is a game of momentum and moments,” he said. “Australia is not doing well at the moment… it is the best time to crush them.”

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Oman have suffered defeats against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Ireland in the tournament, but the skipper insisted the team remains motivated to finish strongly. He added that the squad believes a strong performance against Australia could help them “make a mark” despite their disappointing campaign.

Australia, meanwhile, will aim to salvage pride in their final outing after a campaign that has drawn sharp criticism from former players and analysts. Questions have been raised about the team’s preparation and priorities following their early exit.

Responding to the criticism, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald rejected suggestions that the team did not prioritise the tournament. He said the side had been “fully locked in” and described claims about shifting focus to other formats as “entirely false,” while acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries and high expectations.

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