T20 World Cup 2024: Josh Hazlewood, David Warner Star In Australia's Warm-Up Win Over Namibia

Australia issued a warning to their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 opponents on Tuesday, following a convincing seven-wicket victory in a warm-up match against Namibia at the Port of Spain, despite being short-handed. Australia was forced to take the field with just nine players as several stars have yet to reach after their participation in the IPL 2024 season. The 2021 champions relied on veteran opener David Warner to chase down 119 with the utmost ease. The left-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 21 balls, which helped the 2023 ODI champions chase down the target in just 10 overs. Warner's quick fifty gave Australia an early boost after an inconsistent IPL campaign and has raised hopes of winning the trophy once again.

T20 World Cup 2024: Josh Hazlewood and David Warner star in Australia's warm-up win over Namibia

Despite missing several key players, including Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc, Australia proved too strong for an underpowered Namibian team. Australia relied on their experienced support staff to bolster the team as they cruised to a comfortable victory against Namibia in their first T20 World Cup warm-up. Josh Hazlewood took 2 wickets for 5 runs, and Adam Zampa took 3 wickets for 25 runs, making them the top performers with the ball. They helped restrict Namibia to 119 for 9 in 20 overs.

Hazlewood bowled three maiden overs in the first innings, setting the tone for the Aussies. The chase began with a strong start as David Warner and skipper Mitchell Marsh (18 off 14) scored 39 runs in just three overs. Tim David (23 off 16) also provided good support. It's worth noting that selector George Bailey, head coach Andrew McDonald, assistant coach Brad Hodge, and fielding coach Andre Borovec had to step in as substitutes due to a shortage of fielders. The Marsh & Co will have another warm-up match against the hosts West Indies on May 30 before their first group stage match against Oman on June 6.

Australia vs Namibia T20 World Cup 2024 brief scores: Namibia 119/9 in 20 overs (Zane Green 38; Adam Zampa 3/25; Josh Hazlewood 2/5) lost to Australia 123/3 in 10 overs (David Warner 54; Bernard Scholtz 2/16) by seven wickets.

Australia's T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Mitch Marsh (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), David Warner, Adam Zampa

Australia's Group B fixtures

June 6: Australia vs Oman, Kensington Oval, Barbados

June 9: Australia vs England, Kensington Oval, Barbados

June 12: Australia vs Namibia, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

June 16: Australia vs Scotland, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia