Zampa’s four-for, Marsh’s blazing 64 power Australia to consolation win over Oman*

Australia signed off their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Oman in Pallekele, though the emphatic result did little to mask the disappointment of an early exit.

Already out of contention for the Super Eight, Australia produced a clinical all-round performance to restrict Oman to 104 in 16.2 overs before chasing down the target in just 9.4 overs. Despite the dominance, celebrations were muted as the tournament ended with two wins from four matches for the former champions. Oman, meanwhile, finished without a point after four defeats.

Zampa returns to form

After going wicketless against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, Adam Zampa rediscovered his rhythm, claiming 4 for 21 to dismantle Oman’s middle and lower order. Xavier Bartlett and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with two wickets apiece in a disciplined bowling effort.

Opting to bowl on a rain-affected surface that had been under covers before the match, Australia struck immediately. Bartlett removed Kaleem with the first ball of the innings, producing sharp movement to rattle the stumps. He later dismissed Oman captain Jatinder Singh, who had struck three crisp boundaries in a brisk 17 off 15 balls.

Oman reached 47 for 3 at the end of the powerplay but struggled to build momentum. Zampa turned the screws in the middle overs, bowling Hammad Mirza with a skiddy delivery before trapping Mohammad Nadeem lbw on review. His variations proved too much for the Omani batters, and he wrapped up the innings with two wickets in two balls, dismissing Shakeel Ahmed and Shafiq Jan.

Maxwell also reached a milestone, claiming his 50th T20I wicket as Oman folded well short of a competitive total.

Marsh, Head make light work of chase

Australia’s openers, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, responded with intent, putting on 93 runs in just 49 balls to all but seal the contest inside the powerplay.

Marsh led the charge with an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls, peppering the boundary with powerful drives and lofted shots. He was fortunate early on when an lbw appeal was not made despite replays suggesting the ball would have struck leg stump. Oman paid dearly for the missed opportunity.

Head supported with a fluent 32 off 19 deliveries as Australia raced to 73 in the powerplay, striking 11 fours and three sixes. Spin offered no respite, with Jay Odedra and others dispatched regularly to the fence.

The only moment of joy for Oman came when Shakeel Ahmed dismissed Head, celebrating the catch with Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘siuuu’ gesture after taking a swirling top edge near square leg.

Josh Inglis eventually struck the winning run as Australia completed the chase with 62 balls to spare. There was little fanfare at the finish, reflecting a campaign that promised more than it delivered.

While the victory showcased Australia’s quality, it served only as a consolation in a tournament that ended sooner than they had hoped.