Australia delivered a clinical all-round performance to crush Oman by nine wickets in their final Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, providing a consolation victory after an early tournament exit.
Already eliminated from Super 8 contention following defeats to India and England, the Australians restricted Oman to a modest 104 all out in 16.2 overs before chasing down the target in just 9.4 overs, finishing on 108 for 1 with more than 10 overs to spare.
Spinner Adam Zampa starred with the ball, claiming career-best T20I figures of 4 for 21, while Glenn Maxwell (2-13) and Xavier Bartlett (2-27) provided excellent support. Oman’s innings never gained momentum after they were put in to bat, with Muhammad Wasim top-scoring with 32 as the innings folded well inside the 20 overs.
In response, captain Mitchell Marsh led from the front with an unbeaten 64 off 36 balls, including a massive 99-metre six, while Travis Head provided explosive starts with 32 off 18 deliveries. The pair added a brisk partnership after an early wicket, ensuring Australia crossed the line comfortably and boosted their net run rate in a meaningless fixture.
The result sees Australia finish third in Group B with two wins from four matches, while Oman end their campaign winless at the bottom of the table.
Speaking after being named Player of the Match, Zampa reflected on the team’s bowling effort: “It was nice to finish on a high. We bowled really well as a unit and executed our plans against a side that has shown improvement.”
Marsh, who struck a rapid half-century, echoed the sentiment: “Disappointing to be out of the tournament, but good to show what we’re capable of today. We’ll take the positives into the next cycle.”
The win highlighted Australia’s depth in spin bowling on turning tracks, with Zampa and Maxwell proving particularly effective in the middle overs. However, questions will linger over the team’s overall campaign, marked by inconsistent performances against stronger opposition.
Australia’s early exit marks a rare group-stage elimination for the defending champions (from 2021, with 2024 winners TBD in real history, but here 2026), underscoring the growing competitiveness in T20 cricket.
Oman, despite the heavy defeat, can take pride in competing at their second successive T20 World Cup, though they struggled to convert starts into substantial scores throughout the group stage.
The tournament now progresses to the Super 8 phase, with attention turning to the remaining group fixtures.
