Scotland denied as Australia win helps England secure Super 8s progress | The Cricketer

Jos Buttler’s side are given a lifeline by their closest rivals, who staged a late surge to chase down 181 to win in St Lucia and knock the Scots out of the tournament on net run rate

St Lucia: Scotland 180-5, Australia 186-5 – Australia won by five wickets

England’s Men’s T20 World Cup defence remains alive after Australia knocked out Scotland in a dramatic run-chase in St Lucia.

Having beaten Namibia in Antigua, it was over to their Ashes rivals to keep them in the tournament.

Scotland – who exit on net run rate – played their part, making 180 for 5 from their 20 overs, their highest total in T20 World Cup history, with Brandon McMullen hitting the country’s fastest T20I half-century as part of 60 from 34 balls.

And they were on top for long periods of the chase, with Australia, who put down six catches in the field, seemingly in trouble on 92 for 3 through 13 overs – needing 89 from 42 balls.

Related: Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: What does each country need to qualify for the Super 8s?

^{Travis Head and Marcus Stoinis put on 80 for the fourth wicket to help deliver victory (Getty Images)}

Travis Head (68) – put down on 15 by Michael Jones – and Marcus Stonis (59) put on 80 for the fourth wicket as overs 14, 15 and 16 went for a combined 53 runs.

Though both were dismissed Scotland started to become ill-disciplined with the ball as Australia edged towards victory.

Chris Sole put down Tim David in the final over and that all but ended Scotland’s hopes, as the Singapore native hammered a six to confirm victory with two balls to spare.

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