Australia has secured victory in the second match of the T20I series, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match contest against Scotland. Their consistent performance has left Scotland struggling to keep up.
Top Performers in the Series
In the T20I series, Australia’s standout player has been Josh Inglis, who has amassed 130 runs so far. For Scotland, Brandon McMullen has been their top run-scorer, contributing 78 runs. Sean Abbott has been the leading wicket-taker for Australia, securing 4 wickets, while Scotland’s Bradley Currie has taken 3 wickets.
Match Details:
Date: 7th Sep, 2024,
Time: 02:00 PM Local (06:30 PM IST)
Venue: Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh
Pitch Report
The Grange Cricket Club pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, seamers may take advantage of lateral movement with the new ball, but as the game progresses, the surface is likely to settle down, making it easier for batters to play their shots.
Recap of the Second T20I
Australia batted first in the second T20I, posting a formidable total of 196 for 4 in their 20 overs. Although Jake Fraser McGurk and Travis Head were dismissed cheaply, Josh Inglis led the charge with a blistering knock of 103 off 49 balls, smashing 7 fours and 7 sixes. Marcus Stoinis provided support, but he struggled to maintain a high strike rate as Australia finished their innings at 196.
Scotland’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing 3 wickets for just 44 runs, including the crucial dismissal of their captain Richie Berrington. Brandon McMullen stood out with a well-fought 59 off 42 balls, but with wickets falling regularly, Scotland was bowled out for 126. Marcus Stoinis was the key bowler for Australia, taking 4 wickets, leading his team to a 70-run victory.
Squads for the Series
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (C), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wk), Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa
Scotland: Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross (Wk), Michael Jones, Ollie Hairs, George Munsey, Michael Leask, Charlie Tear (Wk), Charlie Cassell, Brandon McMullen, Chris Greaves, Brad Currie, Safyaan Sharif, Jack Jarvis, Mark Watt, Chris Sole, Jasper Davidson, Brad Wheal
Win Prediction
Based on the superiority of the teams and current form, it is definite that Australia will be heavy favorite to win the match and complete clean sweep. But as it goes, you never know in cricket until the last ball bowled. So, don’t lose hope Scotland supporters.
Predicted Top Performers:
Top batters: Jake Fraser McGurk (Australia) and Brandon McMullen (Scotland)
Top bowlers: Adam Zampa (Australia) and Bradley Currie (Scotland)
Most sixes: Jake Fraser McGurk (Australia) and Brandon McMullen (Scotland)
Player of the Match: Jake Fraser McGurk (Australia)
Projected Team Scores:
Australia: 200+ runs if batting first
Scotland: 150+ runs if batting first
Fantasy XI Picks
Wicketkeepers: George Munsey, Josh Inglis
Batters: Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Brandon McMullen
All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, Michael Leask
Bowlers: Adam Zampa, Mark Watt
Captain and Vice-Captain:
Option 1: Travis Head (c), Adam Zampa (vc)
Option 2: Marcus Stoinis (c), Chris Green (vc)
