🏏ICC T20I WC 2024: Match 35: Australia vs Scotland @06.00 AM IST🏏

🏏ICC T20I WC 2024: Match 35: Australia vs Scotland, in St Lucia @06.00 AM IST🏏

Australia and Scotland will target to keep their unbeaten run when they clash in the 35th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Gros Islet on Sunday, June 16. Australia have already confirmed their place in the Super 8 round while Scotland are just a point away from reaching the second round of the tournament.

Australia continued their dominance with a thumping nine-wicket win over Namibia in their last match. The bowlers did an impressive job of bowling out the opponent to 72 and then openers Travis Head and David Warner helped Australia chase down the target inside six overs.

On the other hand, Scotland remain the favourites for securing the Super 8 berth with two wins in three matches. A win or a potential washout will confirm their place as England keep a close eye on this fixture at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

In the spotlight: Nathan Ellis and Mark Watt

With Australia likely to manage some players Nathan Ellis would appear set for another outing, meaning three games for him in the group stage. A sign that he has yet to break into the big three came when he didn't play against England, but he is a very consistent performer when called upon. It's hard to make a case to leave out one of the other quicks, but Ellis' skiddy style and his excellent yorker does offer a good contrast.

Mark Watt is a crafty and clever left-arm spinner - his 24-yard delivery is much talked-about - who in the last T20 World Cup in Australia became centre of attention for the notes he had written down in his pocket against West Indies. He can operate at various phases of an innings and against Oman took the new ball - having been a touch more expensive than is often the case against Namibia - although a repeat of that may be unlikely against the left-handed opening pair of Warner and Travis Head.

Team news: Possible outing for Green; Currie could return

Australia have strongly suggested there will be some rotation, but who sits out remains to be seen. It would appear sensible not to rush Mitchell Starc back while, given the compressed schedule from the Super Eight onwards, there may be some consideration to managing Marcus Stoinis. Cameron Green, Ashton Agar and Josh Inglis are yet to feature.

Australia (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis/Cameron Green, 6 Tim David, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood

Brad Currie missed the Oman game with a niggle but Leask said that everyone was fit so he could return in place of Safyaan Sharif.

Scotland (possible) 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matthew Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Chris Sole, 10 Brad Wheal, 11 Brad Currie.

Pitch and conditions

It is the first game of the tournament for St Lucia, so another venue for the teams to get used to. Australia will return for their Super Eight game against India and either Scotland or England will face West Indies at the ground which carries the name of their coach Daren Sammy. The forecast suggests only a small chance of a shower. A reminder, a no result would be good enough for Scotland.

Stats that matter

• George Munsey needs 29 runs to reach 2000 in T20Is. He would be the second Scotland player to reach that mark after Richie Berrington

• Of players to have scored at least 500 T20 runs this year, Travis Head has the third-highest strike-rate of 183.57, behind Jake Fraser-McGurk and Andre Russell. If the cut-off is 700 runs (which 21 players have reached) Head is No. 1

• Australia have played nine T20Is in St Lucia with a 5-4 winning record, although lost 4-1 in 2021. It is the venue of one of their most famous T20 wins when Mike Hussey pulled off a remarkable chase in the semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup.

• Since the start of 2023, no team has scored faster in the powerplay than Australia's 10.08.

Thanks for taking me .

PITCH REPORT

This is the first match of the T20 World Cup to be played at this venue. The Darren Sammy stadium has been a great track for the batters. This year though the bowlers have had their say with the fresh wickets on offer and one can safely assume the team batting first will want to bat first and make use of the seam and swinging conditions under lights.

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: David Warner

As this ongoing mega-event marks his final appearance before retiring from international cricket, the southpaw would be exceptionally eager to leave a lasting impact. He would be aspiring to make a significant impression during his side's final group-stage game of the tournament.

Probable Best Bowler: Adam Zampa

Fresh off an outstanding Player of the Match performance with figures of 4/12 against Namibia, the crafty leg-spinner would be brimming with confidence. He would aim to continue his wicket-taking momentum and build his confidence further as he heads into the Super Eight stage.

Australia to win the match

Scenario 1

Australia win the toss and opt to field first.

Powerplay Score: 35-45

Scotland: 140-160

Australia win the match.

Scenario 2

Scotland win the toss and opt to field first.

Powerplay Score: 45-55

Australia: 165-185

Australia win the match

Wrong post

A rampant Australia will be wary of Scotland threat when the two teams clash in a crucial Group B encounter in the T20 World Cup at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Sunday. Australia have already booked their spot for the Super Eight from Group B by winning the first three matches played in the tournament. They will aim to maintain their winning streak against Scotland in the game on today. On the other hand, Scotland have won two of their three matches played so far while their one match against England was washed out due to rain.