Kandy: Mitchell Marsh smashed 64 off 33 balls, and Travis Head contributed 32 off 19 as the Australia national cricket team thrashed the Oman national cricket team by nine wickets in the 40th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Australia, despite their overall tournament position being unaffected, ended their campaign on a high, with skipper Marsh’s explosive innings and Adam Zampa’s bowling dominance proving decisive.

After winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl. Xavier Bartlett set the tone immediately, dismissing Aamir Kaleem off the first ball, leaving Oman reeling. Although Jatinder Singh and Karan Sonavale put together a brief 24-run stand, Nathan Ellis quickly ended the partnership, exposing Oman’s fragile middle order.

Zampa dominated the middle overs, taking a spectacular wicket of Hammad Mirza in the eighth over. Notably, all of Oman’s top four batsmen were bowled out, a first in T20 World Cup history. With the scoreboard reading 69/5, the innings were in turmoil. Wasim Ali battled with 32 off 33 balls, but wickets continued to tumble. Zampa finished with figures of 4-21, supported by Glenn Maxwell (2-13) and Bartlett (2-27). Marcus Stoinis and Ellis took a wicket each as Oman were bowled out for 104 in 16.2 overs.

Chasing 105, Marsh and Head forged a commanding 93-run opening stand, cruising to victory in just 9.4 overs. Their aggressive batting ensured Australia matched England’s record for the fastest chase of a 100-plus target in T20 World Cup history.

Brief scores

Oman 104 all out in 16.2 overs (Wasim Ali 32, Jatinder Singh 17; Adam Zampa 4-21, Glenn Maxwell 2-13, Xavier Bartlett 2-27) lost to Australia 108/1 in 9.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 64*, Travis Head 32; Shakeel Ahmed 1-29) by nine wickets.

Australia finished their T20 World Cup campaign on a dominant note, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling.

IANS