Mitch Marsh, making a few strategic changes to the lineup, won the toss and elected to field first
16 June, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Australia aided their arch-rivals England in advancing to the second round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by defeating Scotland in a thrilling encounter. To secure their own progression and end England's title defence, Scotland needed to win. However, the unbeaten Australians had to dig deep to achieve victory, chasing down Scotland’s challenging total in 19.4 overs, winning with two balls to spare in Saint Lucia.
| Points Table | M | W | L | N/R | P | NRR | |
 Australia |
4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2.791 | |
 England |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3.611 | |
 Scotland |
4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1.255 | |
 Namibia |
4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 2 | -2.585 | |
 Oman |
4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -3.062 |
Mitch Marsh, making a few strategic changes to the lineup, won the toss and elected to field first. This decision paid off early when Ashton Agar, a new addition to the team, dismissed Michael Jones in his first over. Despite this setback, Scotland recovered swiftly with a strong Powerplay performance by Brandon McMullen and George Munsey. Munsey struck 6-6-4 in a costly fifth over bowled by Glenn Maxwell, while McMullen spearheaded the attack, leading Scotland to 54 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs.
McMullen continued to dominate, reaching his half-century off just 26 balls by the eighth over. Maxwell managed to break the 89-run partnership by removing Munsey (35 off 23) at the end of the ninth over. Despite a few missed chances in the field, Australia managed to contain Scotland somewhat, with Adam Zampa taking the crucial wicket of McMullen (60 off 34) in a tight 12th over.
Maxwell further contributed by dismissing Matthew Cross (18 off 11) with a full toss caught by Agar. Captain Richie Berrington held the innings together for Scotland, guiding them to a total of 180 with his unbeaten 42 off 31 balls. Maxwell was the standout bowler with figures of 2/44 from his four overs, though Australia set an unwanted record by dropping six catches in the innings.
Scotland struck early in Australia’s chase, with Brad Wheal getting David Warner out caught by Berrington. Travis Head attempted to stabilize the innings, especially after Marsh was dismissed in the sixth over. Australia's Powerplay score of 36/2 was significantly behind Scotland’s. Head’s innings provided some momentum, but he too fell after reaching 30s, as Maxwell was clean bowled by Mark Watt.
At 74/3 at the drinks break, Australia’s hopes were revived by a partnership between Head and Marcus Stoinis, adding 80 runs with 12 boundaries. Head reached his fifty but was dismissed shortly after, leaving Australia at 140/4 midway through the 16th over.
Stoinis then took charge, scoring 59 off 29 balls before being bowled while attempting a reverse sweep. Tim David, brought in to finish the job, ensured Australia reached the target with a run-a-ball in the penultimate over, sealing the win with two balls to spare.
This victory not only ended Scotland's campaign but also significantly aided England's progression to the next round. Australia can now focus on their next match on June 20, with their opponent yet to be decided.
