The T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up matches have brought excitement and unexpected turns as teams prepare for the main event. Australia showcased their dominance with a convincing win over Namibia, while adverse weather conditions in Dallas led to the cancellation of the USA vs. Bangladesh match. Meanwhile, the Netherlands started strong with a notable victory against Sri Lanka, highlighting their potential to be formidable contenders. These developments set the stage for a thrilling tournament, with teams fine-tuning their strategies and form.

The Netherlands kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 warm-ups with an impressive victory over Sri Lanka, winning by 20 runs on Tuesday, May 28, at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. Michael Levitt and Aryan Dutt emerged as the heroes for the Dutch, who dominated their opponents throughout the match.

Netherlands vs Sri Lanka – Netherlands won by 20 runs

According to the official website of Cricket Netherlands, Levitt scored an explosive 55 runs off 28 balls before retiring, helping the Netherlands post a formidable total of 181 for 5. Teja Nidamanuru contributed a vital 27 runs in the middle overs, while skipper Scott Edwards provided a late surge with an unbeaten 27 off 12 balls. Dilshan Madushanka was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4-0-39-2, while Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage, and Angelo Mathews each took a wicket. Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis went wicketless.

In response, Sri Lanka struggled in their run chase and were bowled out for 161 in 18.5 overs. Reduced to 30 for 4 in the powerplay, they never recovered. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dasun Shanaka managed 31 and 35 not out respectively. Wanindu Hasaranga’s quickfire 43 off 15 balls, which included five consecutive sixes, was not enough to secure a win for Sri Lanka. Aryan Dutt was the pick of the Dutch bowlers, taking 3 wickets, while Kyle Klein and Logan van Beek chipped in with 2 and 1 wickets respectively.

The Netherlands will play their second warm-up match on Thursday, May 30, at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Netherlands vs Sri Lanka scorecard:

NED-181/5 (20) (Michael Levitt (55), Teja Nidamanuru (27); Dilshan Madushanka (2/39), Dunith Wellalage (1/26)) won by 20 run as SL- 161/ 10 (18.5) (Wanindu Hasaranga (43), Dhananjaya de Silva (31); Aryan Dutt (3/20), Kyle Klein (2/13)).

Bangladesh vs USA – Match cancelled

The T20 World Cup warm-up match between the United States of America (USA) and Bangladesh, scheduled at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, was cancelled on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions. The game, set to start at 10:30 am local time, was called off after tornadoes, with winds reaching 80 mph, caused significant damage, including to a television screen inside the venue. Recent storms have devastated several parts of the USA, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, resulting in at least 23 deaths. The National Weather Service rated the storm as EF-2.

The Grand Prairie Stadium, a former baseball stadium, is set to host the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 between USA and Canada on June 2. The USA, co-hosting the tournament with the West Indies, will host 16 of the 55 matches, including a high-profile game between India and Pakistan in New York.

Namibia vs Australia- Australia won by 7 wickets

In the 6th warm-up match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Namibia faced off against Australia. Batting first, Namibia managed to score 119 for 9 in their 20 overs. Zane Green led the charge with a solid 38 off 30 balls, while Malan Kruger contributed a brisk 18 off 11. Australia’s bowlers were in fine form, with Adam Zampa taking 3 wickets for 25 runs and Josh Hazlewood delivering an impressive spell, claiming 2 wickets for just 5 runs in his 4 overs.

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In response, Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching 123 for 3 in just 10 overs. David Warner was the standout performer with a blistering 54 off 21 balls. Tim David also played a supporting role, scoring 23 off 16 deliveries. Bernard Scholtz was the pick of the Namibian bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs, but it wasn’t enough to contain the Australian batsmen. David Wiese also bowled economically, conceding 16 runs in his 2 overs without taking a wicket. Australia’s commanding performance ensured a comfortable victory in their warm-up match.

In addition to the impressive warm-up performances, Australia’s Chief Selector George Bailey has expressed strong support for captain Mitchell Marsh as the team aims for T20 World Cup glory. Bailey praised Marsh’s leadership qualities and his ability to inspire the squad both on and off the field. With Marsh at the helm, Bailey is confident that Australia can leverage their robust preparations and translate them into success in the tournament. Marsh’s recent form and tactical acumen are seen as crucial components for Australia’s campaign, further bolstering the team’s prospects as they head into the World Cup.

Namibia vs Australia scorecard:

NAM – 119/9 (20) (Zane Green 38 (30), Adam Zampa 3/25 (4)) lost to AUS – 123/3 (10) (David Warner 54* (21) Bernard Scholtz 2/16 (2)) by 7 wickets.