Retrieving a lost ball during a cricket game is something commonly seen in gully cricket, but it’s not often associated with a high-stakes World Cup match. However, that’s exactly what happened during Australia’s 2024 T20 World Cup opener against Oman in Barbados on Wednesday night.
The amusing incident occurred when Omani batter Ayaan Khan sliced a delivery past Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, sending the ball to the fine leg boundary. The ball then mysteriously disappeared into the advertising boards.
Australia’s fielder, Adam Zampa, had to leap over the boundary to retrieve it, much to the amusement of his teammates and the spectators. This quirky moment added a touch of levity to the match and was captured on video, quickly becoming a talking point among fans.
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In the match itself, Australia began their World Cup campaign with a solid 39-run victory over Oman. Invited to bat first, Australia posted a competitive total of 164/5, thanks to crucial half-centuries from all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and opener David Warner. The pitch in Barbados was not the easiest to bat on, and Oman’s bowlers did not make it easy for the Australian batsmen.
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Australia’s top order, including Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell, fell cheaply, leaving the team in a precarious position. However, Warner anchored the innings, preventing a collapse. He forged a vital century partnership with Stoinis for the fourth wicket, which proved pivotal in reaching a winning total.
David Warner’s innings of 56 from 51 balls included six boundaries and a six, while Stoinis was in a destructive mood, smashing an unbeaten 67 off 36 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes. For Oman, Mehran Khan was the standout bowler, claiming 2/38 from his four overs, with Kaleemullah and Bilal Khan picking up a wicket each.
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In their chase of 165, Oman struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals. Stoinis, continuing his outstanding performance, claimed three wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Nathan Ellis each took two wickets, restricting Oman to 125/9 in their 20 overs. This defeat marked Oman’s second loss in the tournament, setting up their next match against Scotland on Sunday. Meanwhile, Australia is set to face England on Saturday in their second fixture of the T20 World Cup.
