Australia ends disappointing campaign with a thumping win

Saturday, 21 February 2026 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Adam zampa

PALLEKELE: Australia ended their disappointing Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a thumping 9 wicket win against Oman at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday, but unfortunately for them, it ultimately counted for nothing.

Opting to bowl first, Australia was sharp from the very first delivery and completely dismantled Oman’s batting line-up, bundling them out for 104 inside 17 overs with a clinical all-round bowling effort. Oman’s troubles began when Aamir Kaleem, the oldest player in the competition (44 years) was bowled by the first ball of the match for a golden duck by Xavier Bartlett. Player of the Match Adam Zampa led the charge with a superb four-wicket haul, while Bartlett and Glenn Maxwell picked up two wickets each. Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Ellis chipped in with one apiece to complete a dominant bowling performance.

Chasing a severely under-par target of just 105, Australia’s destructive opening pair of Mitchell Marsh (64* off 33 balls, 7 fours, 4 sixes) and Travis Head (32 off 19) made an absolute mockery of the chase putting on 93 off 49 balls. The duo came out with clear intent, attacking from the outset and never allowing Oman any chance to claw their way back.

Their explosive start turned what could have been a routine pursuit into a statement of dominance. In the process, Australia also equalled England’s record for the fastest chase of a 100-plus target in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup - a remarkable statistical feat that underlined just how ruthless they were with the bat. It was a commanding performance from start to finish, even if, in the larger context of the tournament, it arrived a little too late to make a meaningful difference. Oman never really looked to be in the contest. It was an unforgettable campaign for them - comprehensively beaten in all four matches and bowing out with the worst net run rate among all teams in this World Cup. – [ST]

Scores: Oman 104 (16.2) (Wasim Ali 32, Xavier Bartlett 2/27, Adam Zampa 4/21, Glenn Maxwell 2/13)

Australia 108-1 (9.4) (Mitchell Marsh 64*, Travis Head 32)

Aamir kaleem

Marsh and Head