Marsh, Head Power Australia to Commanding Nine-Wicket Win Over Oman in T20 World Cup

Kandy, Feb 2026 : Skipper Mitchell Marsh produced a blistering display with the bat, smashing 64 off just 33 deliveries, while Travis Head chipped in with a rapid 32 from 19 balls as Australia thrashed Oman by nine wickets in the 40th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Marsh’s explosive half-century ensured Australia signed off their T20 World Cup campaign on a dominant note, underlining the all-round strength of the five-time champions. While the emphatic victory did not alter Australia’s overall position in the tournament standings, it once again highlighted the gulf in quality between the two sides, particularly in bowling depth and batting firepower.

After winning the toss, Australia opted to bowl first and struck immediately, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Off the very first delivery of the match, Xavier Bartlett removed Aamir Kaleem, plunging Oman into early trouble. The early breakthrough sparked a collapse from which Oman never truly recovered, as Australia’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.

Oman briefly steadied through Jatinder Singh and Karan Sonavale, who stitched together a 24-run stand to halt the slide. However, the respite was short-lived. Nathan Ellis struck during the Power-play, dismissing Sonavale before trapping Jatinder Singh soon after, exposing Oman’s fragile middle order.

The middle overs belonged entirely to Adam Zampa, who delivered a masterclass in leg-spin bowling. Zampa’s dismissal of Hammad Mirza in the eighth over with a sharply turning delivery symbolised Oman’s woes. In a remarkable statistical footnote, Oman’s top four batters were all bowled — a first in the history of the T20 World Cup.

At 69 for five, Oman’s innings was in disarray. Wasim Ali attempted a lone resistance, scoring a patient 32 off 33 balls, but wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Zampa finished with outstanding figures of 4 for 21, receiving excellent support from Glenn Maxwell (2 for 13) and Bartlett (2 for 27). Marcus Stoinis and Ellis chipped in with a wicket apiece as Oman were bundled out for 104 in just 16.2 overs.

Chasing a modest target of 105, Australia were ruthless from the outset. Marsh and Head launched into the Omani attack with controlled aggression, racing to a 93-run opening partnership that effectively sealed the contest within the Power-play overs. Marsh, in particular, was brutal on anything short or over-pitched, combining power with clean timing, while Head ensured the scoring rate never dipped.

The pair’s fearless approach meant there were no alarms or setbacks in the chase. Australia reached the target in just 9.4 overs, losing only one wicket, to register a nine-wicket victory. The chase equalled England’s record for the fastest successful pursuit of a 100-plus target in the tournament’s history.

The win served as a strong reminder of Australia’s pedigree in global tournaments, even as they look ahead beyond this campaign. For Oman, the match underscored the challenges of competing against elite opposition, despite flashes of individual resilience.

Brief scores:
Oman 104 all out in 16.2 overs (Wasim Ali 32, Jatinder Singh 17; Adam Zampa 4-21, Glenn Maxwell 2-13, Xavier Bartlett 2-27)
Australia 108/1 in 9.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 64 not out, Travis Head 32; Shakeel Ahmed 1-29)
Australia won by nine wickets