Scotland vs Australia

 Australia secured a comprehensive 70-run victory over Scotland in the second T20I of their 2024 series, held at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh. This win clinched the series for Australia with one match remaining, thanks to a stellar batting display and a solid bowling performance.

Australia's Innings

After winning the toss, Australia elected to bat and posted a challenging total of 196/4 in their 20 overs. Despite a shaky start, with key wickets of David Warner and skipper Mitchell Marsh falling early, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green took control of the innings. Green provided stability, while Inglis unleashed a dominant display, scoring a match-winning 123 off just 66 balls. His century, the fastest by an Australian in T20 internationals, was pivotal in rescuing Australia from early trouble and accelerating their score toward a competitive total. The pair put together a vital partnership, with Inglis finding the boundary regularly and Green supporting with well-timed singles and the occasional boundary.

Richie Berrington, Scotland's captain, was instrumental in breaking the partnership, but by then, Australia had already laid the foundation for a formidable score. Scotland's bowlers, particularly Bradley Currie, showed discipline, but were unable to contain the onslaught from Inglis during the middle overs.

Scotland’s Response

In reply, Scotland struggled to maintain momentum after losing early wickets. Brandon McMullen gave Scotland hope with a hard-hitting 60 off 34 balls, building a quick partnership with George Munsey. However, once McMullen fell in the 12th over, Australia's bowlers tightened their grip on the game. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with none of the other Scottish batsmen able to support McMullen's explosive innings.

The Australian bowling attack, led by Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis, dismantled Scotland's middle and lower order. Zampa was economical, finishing with figures of 1/30, while Stoinis picked up three wickets, including the final wicket of Chris Greaves, sealing the game in the 17th over. Scotland were bowled out for just 126 in 16.4 overs, with no other batsman crossing the 20-run mark.

Conclusion

Australia’s ability to recover from early setbacks and post a big total, thanks to Inglis's record-breaking century, proved too much for Scotland. Despite a promising start with McMullen and Munsey’s explosive batting, Scotland failed to sustain the pressure, collapsing against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Australia’s win by 70 runs sealed the series, showcasing their dominance across both batting and bowling departments​.