* Scotland came close to making history (Match 35)
By Dwayne Ferreira
Scotland almost touched a history-making moment in their T20 World Cup 2024 match against Australia. With Australia’s asking rate nearing 13 runs per over in the final seven overs, Scotland looked poised for a major upset. However, Marcus Stoinis, with support from Travis Head and later Tim David, dashed their dreams, simultaneously securing England’s spot in the Super Eight phase in Antigua.
Stoinis showcased both deftness and power, scoring a 25-ball half-century. Head, who initially played a measured innings, exploded with three consecutive sixes, turning the game in Australia’s favor. Though both were dismissed, Australia needed just five runs in the last over. A dropped catch by Chris Sole off Tim David with three needed off four balls sealed Scotland’s fate. David hit the next ball for six, completing the chase.
Scotland set a strong platform with a blistering display from Brandon McMullen. He smashed six sixes and scored a 26-ball fifty, helping Scotland to 92 for 1 after 8.5 overs. However, their scoring slowed in the remaining 11.1 overs, adding only 88 runs, partly due to skillful death overs from Nathan Ellis.
Australia had an uncharacteristically poor fielding display, dropping six catches, the most in a Men’s T20 World Cup match. Despite this, their bowlers, especially the spinners, managed to restrict Scotland’s total effectively.
Australia’s depth in batting and strategic bowling changes secured their win, despite Scotland’s valiant efforts. The result ensured England’s progression to the Super Eight phase, leaving Scotland to reflect on what might have been.
Chief Scores
Scotland 180 for 5 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 60, Richard Barrington 42 not out, George Munsey 35, Glen Maxwell 2 for 44)
Australia 186 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Travis Head 68, Marcus Stoinis 59, Mark Watt 2 for 34, Safyaan Sharif 2 for 42)
Player of the Match – Marcus Stoinis
