Australia ensured their spot in the Super 8 stages of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a dominant 9-wicket win against Namibia. Demonstrating their bowling strength, led by Adam Zampa, the reigning champions overpowered Namibia and became the second team, alongside South Africa, to advance to the next round.

Toss and bowling decision

After winning the toss, Australia elected to bowl, a decision that proved advantageous as they immediately put Namibia under pressure. The Namibian openers, Michael van Lingen and Nikolaas Davin struggled to form a substantial partnership, managing only 14 runs. Australia’s bowlers, keen to capitalize on the conditions, delivered a disciplined performance right from the start. Josh Hazlewood provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Davin in the third over, setting the stage for what would be a relentless attack on the Namibian batting lineup.

Early breakthroughs and Namibian struggles

Namibia’s innings never found momentum as Australian bowlers continued to dominate. The early removal of Davin was followed by a series of quick wickets, stifling any hope of a strong start. Namibia’s captain, Gerhard Erasmus, attempted to anchor the innings but found little support from his teammates. Erasmus’s effort, though commendable, was insufficient to steer his team out of trouble as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Namibia’s batting collapse was a testament to Australia’s superior bowling attack, which maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Also READ: Top 5 wicketkeepers with most appearances across T20 World Cup editions ft. Jos Buttler

Adam Zampa’s stellar performance

Zampa’s spell was the highlight of the match, as he tore through Namibia’s batting order with clinical precision. Zampa’s four-over spell, yielding four wickets for just 12 runs, was instrumental in dismantling the opposition. His victims included key players like Zane Green, David Wiese, Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz. Zampa’s performance not only showcased his skill but also underscored the depth and versatility of Australia’s bowling attack. Supported by Hazlewood and Marcus Stoinis, who each claimed two wickets, and contributions from Pat Cummins, the Australian bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, restricting Namibia to a paltry 72 runs in 17 overs.

Australia’s dominant chase and quick finish

Australia’s chase was characterized by aggressive and confident batting. David Warner set the tone with a blistering 20 off just 8 balls, dismantling Namibia’s bowling attack from the outset. Although Warner was dismissed early, his rapid innings had already inflicted significant damage. Travis Head (34) and Mitchell Marsh (18) seamlessly carried forward the momentum, ensuring there were no further hiccups. The duo batted with authority, and Marsh’s composed finishing touch saw Australia comfortably reach the target within the powerplay overs. The swift chase, completed with nine wickets in hand, highlighted the batting depth and prowess of the Australian side.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Adam Zampa is Australia’s greatest living white-ball spinner.

— Rick Eyre (@rickeyrecricket.com on Bluesky) (@rickeyrecricket) June 12, 2024

Australia men in today’s match

✅ Lowest T20I total against them (72 all-out)
✅ Biggest T20I win (86 balls left)
✅ Biggest T20 WC win (9 wkts)
✅ Zampa becomes their first bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets pic.twitter.com/BMJq1gcD9d

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 12, 2024

Australia are through to the Super 8s after completely crushing poor Namibia by 9 wickets #T20WorldCup

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 12, 2024

Zampa joins Schutt and Perry as Aust cricketers with 100 T20 international wickets. He’s got 8 wickets at 8 runs apiece so far in #T20WC24 https://t.co/Pg9Oe0KONH

— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) June 12, 2024

Hint of the 2003/2007 Australia ODI side in the ruthlessness of that performance #T20WorldCup

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) June 12, 2024

AUSTRALIA QUALIFIES FOR THE SUPER 8 OF THE 2024 T20I WORLD CUP…!!!

Securing victory against Namibia.#AUSvNAM #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/4qVLrQJmT0

— Muhammad Saeed (@saeedmalik91) June 12, 2024

Australia Qualified for Super 8

Namibia & Oman Eliminated

It’s between Sco & Eng for the 2nd team to qualify pic.twitter.com/ESqWxblzQo

— Ritik ✍🏻 (@smith___49) June 12, 2024

Australia thrash Namibia in a one-sided contest

Scorecard: https://t.co/54Rvs34rpy#AUSvNAM #T20WorldCup #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/iC6z5X2nNP

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 12, 2024

Things escalated VERY quickly once Australia got a bat, and a spot in the Super Eights is secured ✅ #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/EwRmTrOVIG

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 12, 2024

Adam Zampa – the first Australian to 100 T20I wickets! Well deserved for such an important player in Australia’s white-ball success over the past few years.#AUSvNAM #T20WorldCup

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) June 12, 2024

Most player of the match awards in ICC tournaments by bowlers :

Adam Zampa – 7 *
G. McGrath – 6
J. Bumrah -5

Australia won 2 WCs in Asia with only him as a specialist spinner and he was highest wicket taker for them in both. A freak from Sydney.pic.twitter.com/tlwcXTT3aO

— Rafi (@rafi4999) June 12, 2024

Also READ: Top 10 highest powerplay scores in the T20 World cup history

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.