Nine-Man Australia Cruises to Seven-Wicket Victory Over Namibia in T20 World Cup Warm-Up
Despite fielding only nine first-team players, Australia secured a comfortable seven-wicket win against Namibia in their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday.
With Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green taking extra time off after their Indian Premier League commitments, Australia had to rely on support staff to fill the field. Selection chief George Bailey, fielding coach Andre Borovec, batting coach Brad Hodge, and head coach Andrew McDonald stepped in to make up the numbers.
Captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and opted to field first. Josh Hazlewood led the bowling attack with an impressive opening spell, taking two wickets without conceding a run in his first three overs. He finished with figures of 2/5 in four overs, including three maidens. Spinner Adam Zampa also excelled, claiming 3/25, while Nathan Ellis and Tim David chipped in with a wicket each. Namibia managed 119/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to a late effort from Zane Green (38 off 30), Malan Green (18 off 11), and David Wiese (12 off 13).
In response, Australia got off to a solid start but lost captain Marsh in the fourth over due to a run-out mix-up. Josh Inglis (5 off 4) fell shortly after. However, David Warner's unbeaten 54 off 21 balls ensured a swift chase, supported by Tim David (23 off 16) and Matthew Wade (12 off 5). Australia reached 123/3 in just 10 overs.
Australia, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions, will face the West Indies in another warm-up match on Friday before starting their tournament campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5. They are drawn in Group B alongside England, Namibia, Scotland, and Oman.
Brief Scores
Namibia: 119/9 in 20 overs (Zane Green 38; Adam Zampa 3/25; Josh Hazlewood 2/5)
Australia: 123/3 in 10 overs (David Warner 54*; Bernard Scholtz 2/16)
Australia won by seven wickets.
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