Australia reach Super 8s after beating Namibia in T20 World Cup

Australia made short work of Namibia in a Group B ICC T20 World Cup match, winning by nine wickets and qualifying for the Super Eights at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua.

The Aussies dismissed Namibia for just 72 in 17 overs with Adam Zampa picking 4/12. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus scored 36 off 43 balls with four fours and a six. 

In response, Australia reached 74/1 in 5.4 overs with Travis Head making 34 off 17, David Warner 20 off eight balls and skipper Mitchell Marsh unbeaten 18 off nine deliveries. They move to top of their group with six points.

Australia chasing with 86 balls to spare is the second best in T20 Internationals after Sri Lanka chasing with 90 balls to spare against Netherlands in 2014 at Chattogram.

Aussie skipper Mitchell Marsh paid tribute to leg-spinner Adam Zampa, saying, “If you look at his career over the last 4-5 years, he is probably our most important player. He loves pressure and he is bowling well at the moment and we are lucky to have him.”

Zampa himself expressed happiness over the team advancing.

“We qualify for the Super 8s, that's a nice feeling. I am enjoying bowling, being encouraged to take wickets by the captain, just trying to do my thing mate,” he said.

Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus said, “The skill gap is there, a good side like Australia with their skillset will expose you if you are not mentally there.”

ICC T20 World Cup, Australia, Namibia