Australia demolished Oman by nine wickets in their final Twenty20 World Cup group match this Friday, delivering a dominant display that ultimately came too late to salvage a disappointing campaign with both sides already eliminated.

Chasing a modest target of 105 in Pallekele, skipper Mitchell Marsh was in no mood to hang around and ruthlessly dispatched Oman’s bowlers to all corners of the park, bringing up his 50 off just 26 balls inside the first powerplay.

Oman’s Shakeel Ahmed collided with wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla when he had Travis Head caught and bowled off a top edge for 32, but the 38-year-old spinner was so overjoyed he brought out Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark goal celebration.

Marsh remained unbeaten on 64 with seven boundaries and four sixes to guide Australia home with 62 balls to spare, equalling the T20 World Cup record for the fastest chase of a total over 100.

Australia finished third in the group with two wins and two defeats, with Marsh describing the 2021 champions’ campaign as a “missed opportunity”, while winless Oman propped up the table with no points.

“Unfortunately we didn’t play our best in a couple of games that we needed to and that’s tournament play,” Marsh said.

“You lose that game to Zimbabwe and you’re under pressure and fair play to them, wish them all the best. But we’re a very disappointed group.”

–Reuters–