Australia depart World Cup with big consolation win

T20 World Cup, Group B, Pallekele

Oman 104 (16.2 overs): Wasim 32 (33); Zampa 4-21

Australia 108-1 (9.4 overs): Marsh 64 (33)

Australia won by nine wickets

Australia departed the T20 World Cup with a nine-wicket consolation victory over Oman in Pallekele.

Mitchell Marsh’s side were already out of the tournament after defeats by Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe but lifted themselves to dismiss Oman for 104 before racing to their target in just 9.4 overs.

Xavier Bartlett bowled Aamir Kaleem with the first ball of the match and the seamer barely celebrated – a clear sign of Australia’s disappointment at their early exit.

Though the flat atmosphere continued, Australia were clinical. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa finished with 4-21 while Wasim Ali’s 32 was the highest score for Oman, who depart the tournament with four defeats from four.

Captain Marsh, seemingly keen to hit through any frustrations at his side’s run, then crashed seven fours and four sixes, including two huge hits over the leg side, to wrap up victory in quick time.

Only 12 runs were needed when left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed dismissed Travis Head for 32. Marsh finished unbeaten on 64 from 33.

Australia’s victory concludes the group stage of the World Cup – this was one of few mismatches between the lower and higher-ranked sides.