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In a significant turn of events during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Australia assisted their arch-rivals England by defeating Scotland in Match 35 of the tournament by five-wickets, securing England’s place in the Super Eight stage on Sunday (June 16). Earlier that day, England had bolstered their chances by outplaying Namibia, winning by 41 runs (DLS). England’s fate, however, hinged on Australia’s performance against Scotland, and Australia delivered the needed victory to advance England in the competition.
George Munsey and Brandon McMullen’s heroics: Scotland’s impressive start
Scotland’s innings began with a solid foundation set by George Munsey and Brandon McMullen. Munsey, displaying his aggressive intent, scored 35 runs off 23 balls, including two fours and three sixes. McMullen continued the momentum with a blistering 60 off 34 balls, hitting two fours and six towering sixes. Their efforts propelled Scotland to a competitive total of 180/5 in their 20 overs. Richie Berrington provided crucial stability with an unbeaten 42 runs off 31 balls, ensuring Scotland had a defendable score against the formidable Australian side.
Australia’s bowling struggles: Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa shine amidst the onslaught
Australia’s bowlers faced a challenging task against a determined Scottish batting lineup. Despite early breakthroughs by Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, who picked up crucial wickets of Michael Jones and McMullen, the Australian attack struggled to contain the Scottish batsmen. Glenn Maxwell emerged as the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 2 wickets for 44 runs, while Nathan Ellis and Agar each contributed with a wicket. However, the overall economy rates reflected the difficulty the bowlers faced in restricting the flow of runs.
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Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis lead the chase: A calculated assault
Chasing a target of 181, Australia relied heavily on the performances of Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis. Head anchored the innings with a well-crafted 68 off 49 balls, showcasing his ability to pace the innings with five boundaries and four sixes. Stoinis provided the finishing touches with a blistering 59 off just 29 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 203.44. Their combined efforts ensured Australia remained on track, despite losing early wickets, and set the platform for a successful chase.
Australia advance, Scotland bow out and England survives
Australia’s victory, secured in the penultimate over with 186/5, not only highlighted their batting depth but also ensured their advancement to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Tim David‘s steady 24 off 14 balls and Matthew Wade‘s calm presence at the crease sealed the win. This result also meant the elimination of Scotland from the competition.
Here’s how X reacted:
Really hope the narrative of this game has nothing to do with England & everything to do with how brilliantly Scotland played tonight & how it took an exceptional batting performance from Australia to knock them out of the World Cup #T20WorldCup
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) June 16, 2024
ENGLAND INTO THE SUPER EIGHT OF THE T20 WORLD CUP. THANKS TO AUSTRALIA. pic.twitter.com/qvKNNVONvc
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 16, 2024
Morning Nawaz .. looking forward to the Super 8s .. Are you ? 😜 https://t.co/5BA5keaDwI
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 16, 2024
Australia was knocked out of the 2022 T20 World Cup after losing just one match.
Scotland has unfortunately suffered the same fate.#T20WorldCup
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) June 16, 2024
History repeats itself: after a no-result against a rival from a dicey situation, England scrape to the second round of a T20 World Cup in the Caribbean
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) June 16, 2024
It would be really funny if we get to see Australia vs England semi-final and England knocks out Australia from the T20 World Cup. 😂 pic.twitter.com/BpgEifOqpQ
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) June 16, 2024
ENGLAND QUALIFY FOR SUPER EIGHTS
Australia have beaten Scotland, meaning Jos Buttler’s side progress to the knockout stages 🙌
Get in… 🏆#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OuPFrXTkAG
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) June 16, 2024
Australia have shown some mercy to England and donated them with a qualification.
#T20WorldCup #AUSvSCO pic.twitter.com/KfiqQAVYFc— Aussies Army🏏🦘 (@AussiesArmy) June 16, 2024
Scotland pushed right to the limit but Australia prevail, and gift England a spot in the Super Eights in the process! #T20WorldCup
Scorecard: https://t.co/gELHklDI6A pic.twitter.com/p5MUWzTnUE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 16, 2024
Marcus Stoinis has clearly missed the team meeting yesterday.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) June 16, 2024
Love Pommie, but Scotland haven’t “won some hearts” in that match. They’ve been brilliant but ultimately screwed up and everyone can say it and they will admit it. Cricket has moved on now. Because of Scotland, USA and all of them. There’s no hearts to be won now. Only points.
— Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) June 16, 2024
Tim David finishes off in style for Australia: https://t.co/FOMVNdeJzI#cricket #AUSvSCO #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/11UxwAPQje
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 16, 2024