T20 World Cup: Australia leave with crushing win over Oman

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

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

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

Although flat conditions persisted, Australia was clinical. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa finished with 4-21, while Wasim Ali’s 32 was the highest score for Oman, who left the tournament with four defeats from four.

Seemingly keen to ride out any disappointments in his side’s run, captain Marsh then hit seven fours and four sixes, including two powerful hits down the leg side, to seal victory in quick time.

Only 12 runs were needed when left-arm pacer Shakeel Ahmed dismissed Travis Head for 32. Marsh finished unbeaten with 64 off 33.

Australia’s victory ended the group stage of the World Cup – one of the few mismatches between the lower and higher ranked teams.

The Super 8 matches begin on Saturday with a meeting between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo. England will play Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Sunday.