T20 World Cup : Australia overcome early jitters to defeat Oman
- Planet Sport writer
- 6 June 2024
Australia were limping along at 50/2 but managed to post a competitive total and bowl out Oman to earn a 39-run win in their T20 World Cup opener in Barbados on Wednesday.
ODI World Cup winners Australia were called into bat after Oman won the toss, with the Middle Eastern nation claiming the big wickets of Travis Head (12) and Mitch Marsh (14).
The very next ball, Mehran Khan took the wicket of the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, with the fast bowler on a hat-trick.
However, it was not to be. David Warner (56) and Marcus Stoinis (67*) built a strong partnership and guided the Australians to 164 after 20 overs.
Oman faced the daunting Australian bowling attack and it did not take long for them to strike, with Mitchell Starc claiming a wicket in the first over.
The minnow cricketing nation however put up a respectable total of 125 with Ayan Khan top-scoring with 36.
Australia will take on England in their next match, while Oman will face Scotland.
