(CA Instagram)
Stoinis’ explosive unbeaten knock of 67 runs from just 36 balls propelled Australia to a formidable total of 164-5. His all-round brilliance continued as he also claimed three wickets for just 19 runs, playing a pivotal role in restricting Oman to a modest 125/9.
Marcus Stoinis showcased his prowess with both bat and ball as Australia kicked off their quest for a grand slam of major cricket championships with a convincing 39-run win over Oman at the T20 World Cup in Barbados on Wednesday.
Stoinis’ explosive innings of 67 not out from only 36 deliveries proved pivotal in propelling Australia to a total of 164-5. Additionally, his exceptional bowling performance, taking three wickets for just 19 runs, played a crucial role in limiting Oman to 125-9 in their response at Kensington Oval.
“It was a nice start,” player of the match Stoinis said afterwards. “Maybe a few cobwebs for us but we’re better for it, and nice that we got the win.
“And nice that I got to spend some time in the middle and have a bit of a bowl.”
Stoinis unleashed an onslaught, striking six sixes and two fours, during an electrifying batting display that spearheaded Australia’s resurgence following a shaky start, with the team faltering at 50-3 early in the innings. David Warner complemented the innings with a composed half-century, stabilizing Australia’s innings. Their partnership proved vital as Australia regained momentum after the dismissals of captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell, both falling to seamer Mehran Khan in consecutive deliveries during the 11th over.
Following a period of steady accumulation, Stoinis launched into an aggressive onslaught, spearheading a formidable 102-run partnership for the fourth wicket that shifted the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor, effectively wresting control from the Omanis.
Warner, in his final international tournament before retirement, crafted a composed innings of 56 runs from 51 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and one maximum, before being dismissed in the penultimate over. His contribution propelled him past former captain Aaron Finch as Australia’s leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals, accumulating a total of 3,155 runs.
During an explosive display of power hitting, Stoinis smashed four of his six sixes in the 15th over, bowled by Mehran Khan, triggering a rapid acceleration in scoring rate. This onslaught allowed the 2021 champions to more than double their run tally over the last six overs of the innings.
“Davey and I talked about before that over,” Stoinis added in explaining the sudden batting onslaught. “And then you know how it is when you get the first couple balls away for boundaries, you just think you might as well try to turn it into a big over.”
Despite suffering a heart-wrenching defeat to Namibia in a gripping super over climax in their tournament opener on Sunday, Oman displayed a spirited demeanor, particularly with the early dismissal of Travis Head, followed by the swift blows of Marsh and Maxwell.
Nevertheless, Australia’s seasoned expertise in competitive cricket enabled them to navigate through this challenging phase, securing a victorious start to their pursuit of an unprecedented achievement: holding all three global cricket titles simultaneously – Test, One-Day, and T20.
Mitchell Starc, despite exiting the field due to cramps before completing his spell, managed to make his characteristic early breakthrough in defense of Australia’s total, ultimately clinching two wickets. Similarly, fellow paceman Nathan Ellis and leg-spinner Adam Zampa also contributed with two wickets each.
Oman’s captain, Aqib Ilyas, drew encouragement from the performance of his team’s bowlers, especially after a promising start, indicating positive signs for the team’s future endeavors.
“Playing against a top side today was a great experience, especially following on from the Super Over last game,” Ilyas said. “They played really well, but credit goes to our bowlers. Our bowlers can do really well on turning tracks.”
