Australia delivered a commanding all-round performance to thrash Oman by nine wickets in the 40th Match of Group B at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. After electing to bowl first, the Aussies bundled Oman out for just 104 in 16.2 overs before chasing down the target in a mere 9.4 overs, underlining their title credentials in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the star of the night and deservedly walked away with the Player of the Match award.
Adam Zampa dismantle Oman’s batting
Australia’s decision at the toss proved spot on as their bowlers wasted no time in asserting dominance. Xavier Bartlett struck early to remove Aamir Kaleem for a first-ball duck, setting the tone for the innings. Oman skipper Jatinder Singh tried to counterattack with three crisp boundaries in his 17 off 15 balls, but regular wickets kept pushing Oman on the back foot.
Hammad Mirza showed brief resistance with a 16-run cameo, while Wasim Ali fought hard for his 32 off 33 deliveries, hitting four boundaries. However, Oman struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell in clusters.
The turning point came when Zampa weaved his magic through the middle overs. The leg-spinner returned sensational figures of 4 for 21 in 3.2 overs, dismantling Oman’s lower order with clever variations and sharp turn. Glenn Maxwell provided excellent support with 2 for 13 in his three overs, while Nathan Ellis and Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a wicket each. Oman were eventually bowled out for 104, a total that always looked below par on a good batting surface.
Mitchell Marsh makes light work of the chase
Chasing 105, Australia came out with aggressive intent. Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a blistering 64 off just 33 balls, smashing seven fours and four towering sixes. His powerful strokeplay immediately deflated the Omani bowling attack.
Travis Head complemented Marsh perfectly, racing to 32 off 19 deliveries with six boundaries. The duo added a rapid opening partnership that effectively sealed the game inside the powerplay. Oman’s only breakthrough came through Shakeel Ahmed, who dismissed Head, but by then the damage had been done.
Josh Inglis finished things off in style with a quick 12 off six balls as Australia cruised to 108 for 1 in just 9.4 overs, wrapping up a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.
Adam Zampa bags Player of the Match award 👏#AdamZampa #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/bm9TpUI5xE
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 20, 2026
