T20 World Cup: Australia defeat Scotland by five wickets
Cricket
It is a must-win game for Scotland, as a victory could propel them to the next round
ANTIGUA (Web Desk ) - Australia defeated Scotland by five wickets in a T20 World Cup match in here on Sunday.
Set a target of 181-run for victory, Australia scored 186 runs losing five wickets on the fourth ball of the 20th over to end Scotland's hope to go to next round of the tournament.
Travis Head led Australia to victory with 68 off 49 deliveries. He was lent support by Marcus Stoinis (59) and Tim David (28 not out).
Earlier, Scotland put up a good batting display to post 180-5 in their quota of 20 overs after asked to bat by Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh.
Ashton Agar gave Australia the perfect start as he dismissed Michael Jones in the very first over.
However, Geroge Munsey and Brandon McMullen had other ideas as the duo smashed their way to a blistering 89 run-stand to take Scotland's total to 92/1 from 8.5 overs before Maxwell broke the partnership by dismissing Munsey for 35 runs from 23 balls.
McMullen fell soon after to Zampa after scoring the fastest T20I half-century for Scotland in T20 World Cups. He was eventually dismissed for 60 off 34 balls.
Australia started picking up wickets at regular intervals and clawed their way back into the game but skipper Berrington's charge with an unbeaten 42 runs from 31 balls ensured Scotland reached the 180 run-mark.
Glenn Maxwell was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies with 2/44 from 4 overs.
Scotland would have been hoping for more runs but this is still their highest total in T20 World Cups.
It is a must-win game for Scotland, as a victory could propel them to the next round and shut the door on England, who are at three points in three games.
Australia have been ruthless in all areas in all the matches they have played so far.
David Warner and Marcus Stoinis have been consistent with the bat while their experienced trio of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc have been lethal.
But, the main man for the 2021 champions is leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who has taken eight wickets so far.
On the other hand, Scotland have earned widespread praise for their determination and fighting spirit. Led by Richie Berrington, the Scottish team secured decisive wins against Oman and Namibia after rain disrupted their tournament opener against England.
Scotland's top order, consisting of George Munsey, Michael Jones, and Brandon McMullen, is of significant importance as these players are in excellent form.
If the Scottish top three are dismissed early, Matthew Cross and the all-round duo of Michael Leask and Chris Greaves could provide valuable contributions alongside skipper Berrington.
Pitch Report
The surface at Daren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, provides balanced playing conditions. While the seamers typically benefit from a touch of seam movement and additional bounce, the pitch also offers a fair amount of turn for the spinners.
