Australia registered a 39-run victory over Oman of their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Regardless of the win, it was Oman’s skipper Aqib Ilyas who stole the limelight with a sensational catch to dismiss Glenn Maxwell for a first-ball duck.
Oman’s spectacular begin
Electing to bowl first, Oman managed to comprise Australia’s aggressive batting lineup. The large-hitting trio of Travis Head (12), Mitchell Marsh (14), and Maxwell had been dismissed early, with Australia struggling at 50/3 by the ninth over. Oman’s disciplined bowling put the Australians below stress from the outset.
Aqib Ilyas’ gorgeous catch within the T20 World Cup 2024
The standout second of the match got here when Maxwell walked in to bat. Going through Mehran Khan‘s medium tempo, Maxwell tried to push a very good size supply between cowl and additional cowl. The ball, nevertheless, caught on the floor longer than Maxwell anticipated, inflicting him to mistime his shot.
Ilyas, positioned at catching cowl, showcased extraordinary athleticism by leaping to his left and catching the ball with each palms absolutely prolonged. This exceptional catch not solely dismissed Maxwell for a duck but in addition turned a memorable second within the ongoing international showpiece occasion.
Right here’s the video:
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Australia’s restoration
Regardless of Maxwell’s early dismissal, Australia managed to set a aggressive goal of 165 runs. Marcus Stoinis and David Warner orchestrated an important restoration, forming a 100-run partnership. Stoinis scored a quickfire 50 off 27 deliveries, whereas Warner reached his half-century in 46 balls. Warner finally fell for 56 within the nineteenth over, dismissed by Kaleemullah. Tim David contributed a small however vital cameo of 9 runs off 4 balls, serving to Australia attain 165.
Oman’s response and Australia’s dominant bowling
In reply, Oman struggled to maintain up with the required run price. Australia’s bowlers delivered a commanding efficiency, proscribing Oman to 125/9 of their allotted 20 overs. Stoinis was the decide of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis every took two wickets, making certain a complete victory for Australia.
