Australia thrash Namibia in T20 World Cup warmup match

Australia have begun their T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant victory over Namibia in their first of two warmup matches, winning by seven wickets on Tuesday.

Namibia were put in to bat first at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, with the minnow nation quickly struggling against Australia’s pace. Josh Hazlewood starred early with wickets in the first and fifth overs, ending on figures of 5/2 from four overs.

Finding themselves four wickets down with just 45 runs at the halfway point of their innings, Namibia’s hopes of being competitive faded fast. A shining light for them was Zane Green, who struck 38 from 30 to take his side to 119/9 from 20 overs.

At times during the Namibian innings, Australia fielded as many as four substitutes made up of members of their support staff.

In response, the No.2-ranked side wasted no time.

David Warner grabbed some much-needed runs after an injury-struck IPL, plundering 54 not out from 21 balls. He had company from Mitchell Marsh (18 from 14) and Tim David (23 from 16), while Josh Inglis missed out, bowled after just four balls.

Australia surpassed Namibia’s total after just 10 overs, ending on 123/3.

Australia second favourites in wide-open T20 World Cup

Australia’s relaxed approach to this match reflects how they’re sitting ahead of the T20 World Cup. They are second only to India ($3.75) in the outright betting odds, with bookmaker Bet365 putting them on $4.50 to win the tournament.

There are plenty of other contenders in the mix, however, with two-time champions England ($5.50) close behind. South Africa ($8), the West Indies ($9) and Pakistan ($13) all represent realistic betting options too.

Afghanistan ($34), Sri Lanka ($34) and Bangladesh ($81) are the only full-member cricket nations given heavy underdog labels.

The T20 World Cup begins this Sunday, June 2, with the co-hosting United States taking on Canada in Dallas.

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