Former Champions End World Cup Campaign by Crushing Oman

Despite enduring an injury-hit and unfortunate tournament, Australia signed off from the T20 World Cup on a positive note. The former champions defeated Oman by nine wickets in Kandy to wrap up their campaign.

Plagued by multiple injuries before and during the tournament, Australia failed to qualify for the Super Eight after defeats to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. However, in their final group match on Friday, they chased down the modest target of 105 in just 9.4 overs. Captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front, bringing up his half-century off 26 balls and finishing unbeaten on 64 from 33 deliveries. Australia struck 15 fours and four sixes in a dominant batting display.

His opening partner Travis Head scored 32 before falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Shakeel Ahmed.

After electing to field, Australia quickly stamped their authority on the game. Xavier Bartlett bowled Aamir Kaleem with the very first ball of the innings, reducing Oman to 47/3 in the powerplay.

The Asian side failed to build any substantial partnerships and were bowled out for 104 in 16.2 overs. Wasim Ali top-scored with 32, while none of the other batters managed to cross 20. Six batters were dismissed bowled, equalling the record for most such dismissals in T20 World Cup history.

Glenn Maxwell, who had not enjoyed the best of tournaments, claimed his 50th T20I wicket by trapping Mohammad Nadeem leg before wicket. Over the past few years, he has been Australia’s premier all-rounder, achieving the milestone alongside 50-plus catches and more than 2,500 runs in the shortest format.

Oman particularly struggled against Adam Zampa. The leg-spinner finished with figures of 4 for 21 in 3.2 overs and was adjudged Player of the Match.