Australia defeats Scotland, securing England’s spot in Super 8

KATHMANDU: Australia continued their unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup by defeating Scotland by 5 wickets.

In the Group B match on Sunday, Scotland set a target of 181 runs, which Australia chased down in 19.4 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process.

Australia’s victory proved to be a blessing for defending champions England. Based on net run rate, England surpassed Scotland to enter the Super 8. Although both teams had the same points, England’s net run rate was better than Scotland’s.

Earlier, England had tied on points with Scotland by defeating Namibia. After four matches, Australia topped the group with 8 points, while England, with 5 points and a better net run rate, secured second place.

For Australia, opener Travis Head contributed a match-high 68 runs. He hit 5 fours and 4 sixes off 49 balls.

After losing momentum in the middle overs, Marcus Stoinis played a rapid half-century innings. He scored 59 runs off just 29 balls, hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes.

Tim David remained unbeaten, scoring 24 runs off 14 balls, guiding the team to victory. For Scotland, Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif each took 2 wickets, while Brad Wheal claimed 1 wicket.

Earlier, Scotland batted first after losing the toss and posted 180 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Brandon McMullen batted brilliantly, scoring 69 runs off 34 balls, with 2 fours and 6 sixes.

Additionally, captain Richie Berrington remained unbeaten, contributing 42 runs off 31 balls, hitting 1 four and 2 sixes.

Opener George Munsey scored 35 runs off 23 balls, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes, while wicketkeeper Matthew Cross added 18 runs off 11 balls.

For Australia, Glenn Maxwell took 2 wickets, while Ashton Agar, Nathan Ellis, and Adam Zampa each claimed 1 wicket.