Australia and Namibia have never met in an official Twenty20 match, but they played a practice match leading into the tournament and Australia cruised to victory despite having just nine players. Their IPL players had yet to arrive.
Namibia managed just 119 and Australia chased down the total in 10 overs. David Warner proved his fitness from bone bruising in his left hand, which cut short his IPL, reaching 50 from just 20 balls.
The standout player was Josh Hazlewood, who did not play in the IPL but was immediately on song. Opening the bowling, Hazlewood was unplayable. He delivered three consecutive maidens, claiming two wickets, before conceding five runs from his fourth and final over.
After a sluggish start with the bat in Australia’s first official match against Oman, a brilliant unbeaten 67 from Marcus Stoinis in just 35 balls, with six sixes, set up a 39-run victory.
Against England David Warner (39 in 16 balls) and Travis Head (34 in 18 balls) got Australia off to a flyer. They made 7/201, the highest score in the tournament so far, and Adam Zampa strangled England as they lost by 36.
Namibia beat Oman in a super over after a tie and lost to Scotland, who sit on the top of Group B with two wins and a washout.