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The Scots posted a brave total but were unable to fend off a solid innings from Travis Head and a rampant one from Marcus Stoinis
Published : 16 Jun 2024, 11:03 AM
It was a valiant effort, but Scotland still fell short of a trip to the Super Eights after a 5-wicket loss to Australia.
The result means that defending champions England will proceed to the second round of the T20 World Cup in their stead.
Still, the Scots should feel proud of their performance. Needing a win, they were sent in to bat at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Saturday.
There was a wobble at the start as they lost a wicket in the very first over. But opener George Munsey (35 runs off 23 balls) and Brandon McMullen (60 runs off 34 balls) put on impressive displays to power through the first stretch of play.
Captain Richie Berrington also added 42 runs off 31 balls to take the Scots to an impressive 180/5 at the end of 20 overs.
The Australian bowlers had little luck with Glenn Maxwell taking two wickets for an expensive 44 runs, while Ashton Agar, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa nabbed one each.
Australia’s chase began inauspiciously as David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Glenn Maxwell fell before the ninth over, leaving them at an uncomfortable 60/3.
But opener Travis Head proved a steady hand at the helm, scoring 68 off 49 deliveries. He found an eager partner in Marcus Stoinis, who tore through the Scottish bowling attack to put up 59 runs off 29 deliveries.
The two were dismissed late but had already paved the way to victory.
It still came down to the final over, with the Aussies needing five runs to win. But there was one final twist in the tale. With four deliveries to go, Tim David launches one to midwicket, down the throat of Chris Sole. He gets into position but ends up dropping it. The two runs added to the score and brought the two teams level.
On the following ball from Brad Wheal, David smashed it over deep midwicket to end the game on an emphatic six.
The disappointment will taste bitter, but the Scots can take heart in their performances at the tournament. They played well against Namibia and Oman and the washing out of their game against England put the rivals on equal standing. It was ultimately the net run rate that took the defending champs through to the next round.
Australia, meanwhile, will feel a surge of confidence in topping a competitive group with relative ease.
