The 24th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 took place between Australia vs Namibia at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua. Australia registered a convincing win over Namibia by 9 wickets. Adam Zampa claimed a four-der and economical spells from other bowlers, especially Marcus Stoinis helped Australia seal the deal with ease.

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Put into bat first, Namibia had a poor start. Namibia opener Nikolaas Davin got out for a mere 2 runs. Soon, Jan Frylinck joined him in the dugout as he also got out for 1 run and they were reduced to 15 for 3 within the powerplay as well, courtesy of Hazlewood and Pat Cummins’ initial blows.

Meanwhile, Gerhard Erasmus tried to steady the ship in the middle. He came to bat in the powerplay only and tried to play the anchor’s role as well. He scored 36 runs which came off 43 balls with 4 fours and a six as well. However, the Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus took 16 balls before getting off the mark and made an unwanted record as this is the most balls taken to score a single run in men’s T20Is as well.

Adam Zampa claimed a four-fer

However, after the initial blows by Hazlewood for Namibia, it was Adam Zampa who did an amazing job in the middle overs. He picked up four wickets in his allotted 4 overs, conceding only 12 runs as well. With this, Adam Zampa became the first Australian bowler to take 100 T20 international wickets as well. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis also bowled well, conceding only 9 runs in his 3 overs and scalped 2 wickets as well.

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However, their economical spells didn’t let Namibia players settle down in the middle. Namibia could only manage 72 runs before getting all out in 17 overs as well. It is also noteworthy that, this is the lowest total against Australia as well.

Warner-Head seal the deal with ease

While chasing, Australia openers David Warner and Travis Head got off to a flying start. While Warner smashed an 8-ball 20 with 3 fours and a six before getting out in the 2nd over, Head played well, scoring 34 runs in 17 balls as well with 5 fours and 2 sixes as well. However, Warner’s dismissal brought Mitchell Marsh in the middle.

He smashed a quick 18 runs in 9 balls with the help of 3 fours and a six and Australia reached the target within 5.4 overs and 9 balls in hand. With this win, they have also qualified for the Super 8s now. Australia will now travel to St Lucia for their last group match against Scotland on June 15. On the other hand, Namibia will play in Antigua against England on the same day as well.

After the win, Mitchell Marsh said, “I thought it was a great performance from the bowling team. Swing was around and all-round a professional performance. It’s really important and great to qualify for the super eights.. We will manage as many as we can over the next few days. [on Zampa] If you look at his career over the last 4-5 years, he ‘s probably our most important player. He loves the pressure and he is bowling well at the moment and we are lucky to have him. [on how they are enjoying the off days in West Indies] Probably not as many beers as you had back in the day Haydos. Lots of beach days and it’s like being back in Perth, we are enjoying it.”

Player Of The Match – Adam Zampa