T20 World Cup 2024: Australia humble Namibia to qualify for Super 8

In a dominant performance, Australia overpowered Namibia, chasing down the modest target of 73 runs in just 5.4 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Wednesday. This victory not only highlighted Australia’s cricketing prowess but also secured their qualification for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Australia’s innings were a display of aggressive batting, with David Warner contributing a brisk 20 off 8 balls before being dismissed. Travis Head, who scored an unbeaten 34 runs including five fours and two sixes, and Mitchell Marsh, who remained not out with 18 runs, ensured a swift chase, completing the target in less than six overs.

Earlier in the match, after winning the toss, Australia elected to field, and their bowlers put up a spectacular show, restricting Namibia to a mere 72 runs in 17 overs. Adam Zampa was the standout performer with the ball, achieving a milestone by becoming the first Australian male cricketer to claim 100 wickets in T20I cricket. Zampa's impressive figures of 4-12 in four overs dismantled the Namibian batting lineup.

Josh Hazlewood also played a crucial role, taking two wickets for 18 runs in his four overs. Marcus Stoinis contributed with two wickets as well, ensuring that Namibia struggled to build any significant partnerships.

Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus was the top scorer for his side, managing 36 runs off 43 balls, including four fours and a six. Apart from Erasmus, Michael van Lingen was the only other Namibian batsman to reach double figures, scoring 10 runs.

This encounter was the first competitive T20I match between Australia and Namibia, though they had faced each other in a warm-up game prior to this tournament, where Australia secured a seven-wicket victory.

**Teams:**
- **Namibia:** Nikolaas Davin, Michael van Lingen, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), JJ Smit, Zane Green (w), David Wiese, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Ben Shikongo.
- **Australia:** Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (w), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia's commanding performance in this match underscores their strength and sets a positive tone as they advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament.