T20 WC 2024, Match 35, Australia vs Scotland: Berrington and McMullen propel Scotland to competitive total of 180/5 with impressive batting - Cricket Winner

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Ashton Agar providing an ideal start by dismissing Michael Jones in the opening over. Despite this early setback, George Munsey and Brandon McMullen counterattacked fiercely, forging a rapid 89-run partnership. They took Scotland’s total to 92/1 in just 8.5 overs before Maxwell intervened, dismissing Munsey for 35 runs off 23 balls, thereby breaking the dynamic duo.

Scotland’s highest total in T20I WC history

Brandon McMullen fell shortly after to Zampa, but not before scoring the fastest T20I half-century for Scotland in T20 World Cups, finishing with 60 runs from 34 balls. Australia then began to regularly take wickets, working their way back into the game. However, skipper Berrington’s late innings surge, with an unbeaten 42 runs from 31 balls, ensured Scotland reached the 180-run mark. Glenn Maxwell was the standout bowler for Australia, with figures of 2/44 from 4 overs. Although Scotland might have hoped for more runs, this remains their highest total in T20 World Cups, giving them a strong chance to win and qualify for the Super 8s.

At the time of writing, Scotland has taken the upper hand in the first half of this chase, restricting the Baggy Greens to 36/2 at the end of the first 6 overs.

Australia needs 145 more runs from the remaining 14 overs to prevent Scotland from qualifying. Scotland will be brimming with confidence, feeling they can take out the Aussies here. However, just a few months ago, Afghanistan found themselves in a similar position during the 50-over World Cup, only for a certain “Big Show” to smash a one-legged double century and dash their hopes.

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