Australia(AUS) face Scotland(SCO) in both teams’ ultimate group-stage fixture in Match 35 of the T20 World Cup 2024. The last time they met was at the 2015 ODI World Cup when Australia won by seven wickets. Leask hoped that could work in their favour. “It does kind of hold us in a little bit of good stead as well because they don’t know what we’re capable of, given the fact that we’re playing really good cricket at the moment.”
Australia is slated to take on Scotland in Match 35 of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet on June 16, 2024. Both teams from Group B enter the game undefeated, with the outcome determining one team’s continued unbeaten streak and the other team’s first loss, barring a rain-abandonment or unforeseen circumstances leading to match cancellation.
AUS vs SCO Previous Performances
Australia, having opted to bat first in only one of their last five T20Is leading up to their final group-stage fixture, are likely to prefer bowling first if they win the toss. This decision is influenced by the formidable challenge posed by teams like India, Afghanistan, and possibly Bangladesh, all of whom possess a diverse array of spin bowlers in their respective rosters.
Scotland, though considered underdogs against the formidable Australians, are unlikely to allow Australia to appear overwhelmingly dominant, particularly given the crucial nature of this match for both teams. If England defeat Namibia and Scotland lose to Australia, it would secure England’s advancement and Scotland’s non-progression to the Super Eight stage. Therefore, the match against Australia is imperative for Scotland to win.
AUS vs SCO Head to Head
This will mark the first-ever encounter between Australia and Scotland in T20Is, leaving their head-to-head record currently at 0-0.The last time they met was at the 2015 ODI World Cup when Australia won by seven wickets
AUS vs SCO Pitch Conditions
It is the first game of the tournament for St Lucia, so another venue for the teams to get used to. Australia will return for their Super Eight game against India and either Scotland or England will face West Indies at the ground which carries the name of their coach Daren Sammy. The forecast suggests only a small chance of a shower. A reminder, a no result would be good enough for Scotland.
The Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet will be hosting its first T20 World Cup 2024 match, implying another venue for the teams to get used to. Australia will return to the same venue for their Super Eight match against India, while either Scotland or England will face the West Indies at the same venue. The weather forecast predicts only a slight chance of showers.
AUS vs SCO Big Picture
England’s thumping win over Oman has ensured against any run-rate shenanigans in this match (and David Warner won’t be opening the bowling). Providing Namibia don’t pull off an upset against England in the hours leading into this game, the equation will be simple: Scotland win and they go through – although a washout would also do. Simple equation, difficult prospect.
Scotland are not planning on the earlier result to help them. “We always knew this was going to be a must-win game for us and look, it’s a hell of an opportunity for us to go and play really good cricket and take on one of the best in the world,” Michael Leask said.
Australia have looked like one of the best sides in the competition and even if, as expected, they rest a few players for this one they will retain a very strong XI. However, Scotland have played some excellent cricket themselves and are not without a chance of pulling off what would be one of their most famous results. Progression to the Super Eight would also guarantee a place in the next T20 World Cup.
As they showed against Oman, the top order is full of power, led by George Munsey, while captain Richie Berrington provides an experienced and calming influence in the middle order. He and Leask combined critically in the match winning stand against Namibia.
Australia has the luxury of looking ahead to the Super Eight stage – where they will face Afghanistan, India and most likely Bangladesh – and can rotate players for this game if they wish. Pat Cummins said it was an aim pre-tournament to get a match into as many of the squad as possible.
The last time they met was at the 2015 ODI World Cup when Australia won by seven wickets. Leask hoped that could work in their favour. “It does kind of hold us in a little bit of good stead as well because they don’t know what we’re capable of, given the fact that we’re playing really good cricket at the moment.”
AUS vs SCO In the spotlight Nathan Ellis and Mark Watt
With Australia likely to manage some players Nathan Ellis would appear set for another outing, meaning three games for him in the group stage. A sign that he has yet to break into the big three came when he didn’t play against England, but he is a very consistent performer when called upon. It’s hard to make a case to leave out one of the other quicks, but Ellis’ skiddy style and his excellent yorker does offer a good contrast.
Mark Watt is a crafty and clever left-arm spinner – his 24-yard delivery is much talked-about – who in the last T20 World Cup in Australia became centre of attention for the notes he had written down in his pocket against West Indies. He can operate at various phases of an innings and against Oman took the new ball – having been a touch more expensive than is often the case against Namibia – although a repeat of that may be unlikely against the left-handed opening pair of Warner and Travis Head.
AUS vs SCO Vital Stats that matters
- George Munsey needs 29 runs to reach 2000 in T20Is. He would be the second Scotland player to reach that mark after Richie Berrington.
- Of players to have scored at least 500 T20 runs this year, Travis Head has the third-highest strike-rate of 183.57, behind Jake Fraser-McGurk and Andre Russell. If the cut-off is 700 runs (which 21 players have reached) Head is No. 1
- Australia have played nine T20Is in St Lucia with a 5-4 winning record, although lost 4-1 in 2021. It is the venue of one of their most famous T20 wins when Mike Hussey pulled off a remarkable chase in the semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup.
- Since the start of 2023, no team has scored faster in the powerplay than Australia’s 10.08.
AUS vs SCO Probable Playing XIs
Australia
David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk.), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
Scotland
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk.), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Chris Sole, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie
AUS vs SCO Fantasy XI : David Warner, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie, Cameron Green
AUS vs SCO Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: David Warner
As this ongoing mega-event marks his final appearance before retiring from international cricket, the southpaw would be exceptionally eager to leave a lasting impact. He would be aspiring to make a significant impression during his side’s final group-stage game of the tournament.
Probable Best Bowler: Adam Zampa
Fresh off an outstanding Player of the Match performance with figures of 4/12 against Namibia, the crafty leg-spinner would be brimming with confidence. He would aim to continue his wicket-taking momentum and build his confidence further as he heads into the Super Eight stage.
AUS vs SCO Match Prediction
Scenario 1
Australia win the toss and opt to field first.
Powerplay Score: 35-45
Scotland: 140-160
Australia win the match.
Scenario 2
Scotland win the toss and opt to field first.
Powerplay Score: 45-55
Australia: 165-185
Australia win the match.