Credits:Getty
Led by Jos Buttler, the England cricket team has secured their spot in the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Their advancement came after Australia defeated Scotland in their last league match in St Lucia, confirming England’s progression from Group B in the tournament.
In a thrilling match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, June 16 (India time), Australia emerged victorious over Scotland by five wickets in a high-scoring contest. Scotland, batting first, set a target of 181 runs. However, the Mitchell Marsh-led Australian team successfully chased down the total with two balls remaining.
With this win, Australia became the first team from Group B to qualify for the Super 8 stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Scotland needed a victory over Australia in their final league match to secure a place in the Super 8s. Despite finishing with five points, Scotland’s net run rate (NRR) of +1.255 was lower than England’s +3.611, thereby missing out on advancing further in the tournament.
Marcus Stoinis and Travis Head Smash Match-Winning Half-Centuries
Australia faced a challenging start, losing three wickets with just 60 runs on the board in 8.2 overs. However, Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis orchestrated a remarkable recovery. Head played a pivotal innings, scoring 68 runs off 49 deliveries with five fours and four sixes. Stoinis provided crucial support with a blistering 59 off 29 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes, steering Australia into a commanding position.
Tim David contributed an unbeaten 24 runs from 14 balls, which included three boundaries and a six. His match-winning shot sealed Australia’s fourth consecutive victory in the World Cup. Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif claimed two wickets each for Scotland, while Brad Wheal chipped in with one wicket.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood Rested For Final Group Stage Match
Australia opted to rest Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after securing a spot in the Super 8s. Scotland achieved their highest total in a T20 World Cup match, posting 180 runs for the loss of five wickets. Despite losing opener Michael Jones early to Ashton Agar, Brandon McMullen’s explosive 60 off 34 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes, provided a strong foundation after the setback.
McMullen combined with George Munsey for a crucial 89-run partnership off just 48 deliveries. Munsey contributed 35 runs off 23 balls, including two fours and three sixes, while Richie Berrington’s unbeaten 42 off 31 balls further bolstered Scotland’s innings, guiding them to their competitive total of 180.
Brief Score:
Brief Scores:
Australia 186 for 5 (Travis Head 68, Marcus Stoinis 59, Mark Watt 2-34) beat Scotland 180 for 5 (Brandon McMullen 60, Richie Berrington 42*, Maxwell 2-44) by five wickets.
Australia will play their first Super 8 match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, on Thursday, June 20. Meanwhile, England will face the West Indies at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, on June 19.
