Oman ready to host GCC Women’s T20I Championship

MUSCAT: Oman is all set to host the 2025 GCC Women’s T20I Championship from 12–18 December, reaffirming the Sultanate’s growing role as a regional hub for women’s cricket.

Oman had previously hosted the tournament in 2022, and this year’s return highlights the country’s continued commitment to nurturing and elevating the women’s game across the Gulf.

In the lead-up to the tournament, the Oman women’s team gained valuable match practice through a competitive triangular series involving Bahrain and Qatar, which concluded on Wednesday.

The series provided crucial exposure for the host team as the domestic league got underway only recently, helping the squad sharpen both skills and combinations ahead of the championship.

Head coach Desmond Berhardt said the tri-series came at the perfect time for his players.

“The triangular involving Oman, Bahrain and Qatar provided a very good buildup for our girls, especially with the league having begun recently. It gave us the match exposure we needed at the right stage of our preparation.”

Berhardt added that physical conditioning has been a major focus in recent months.

“We’ve really emphasised getting the girls much fitter, and their commitment has been excellent. I’m confident they can perform to their level best at home and make the country proud.”

Priyanka Mendonca has been named Oman skipper and Fiza Javed will be her deputy.

With home support behind them and familiar conditions at their disposal, Oman’s players are aiming for a strong showing as they welcome GCC opponents for a week of top-level T20I cricket.

Oman Fixtures (Oman time): vs UAE – 12 December, 2pm; vs Saudi Arabia – 13 December, 2pm; vs Bahrain – 15 December, 9:30am; vs Kuwait – 16 December, 6:30pm; vs Qatar – 18 December, 6:30pm.

Oman squad: Priyanka Mendonca (captain), Fiza Javed (vice-captain), Jayadhanyha Gunasekar, Hina Javed, Amanda D’Costa, Trupti Pawde, Cynthia Mary Saldanha, Sameera Khan, Nitya Joshi, Alifiya Sayed, Lujaina Sajid, Afida Aftab, Sahana Jeelany, Sushanthika Ashok.

Support staff: Desmond Berhardt (head coach), Amir Ali (assistant coach), Anita (physio).