T20 World Cup Australia vs Scotland tips and suggested bets: Adam Zampa to shine for the Aussies

Australia are already through to the next phase of the T20 World Cup but they can still play a part in possibly denying England a spot in the next round when they face Scotland.

Scotland need to win or see the match washed out if they are to clinch their place, although the result of the final England game could also be a factor.

If England fail to beat Namibia on Saturday this match will be rendered a simple showdown for the top spot in the group. England cannot secure a place in the Super 8s until the result of this match is determined.

Australia have so far gone through the tournament with a perfect record seeing off England, Oman and Namibia and establishing themselves among the favourites to win the T20 World Cup.

The Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia will play host to this group decider and will see Scotland play their first-ever T20I at the venue.

Australia’s most recent visit to Gros Islet came in 2021 when they contested a five-match series against the West Indies which they lost 4-1.

This will be the first match played in St Lucia during this T20 World Cup making it tough to call how the pitch will play.

During that series between the Windies and Australia, the par score was in the 180-199 range. No score of greater than 200 has been put up in a T20I at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

Australia hold the record for the highest total successfully chased at this venue thanks to their 2010 T20 World Cup win over Pakistan when they hauled in a target of 192.

Australia vs Scotland: Suggested bets

It remains to be seen if Australia can find a way to accommodate both Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar in their XI for this match. Zampa has been great at exploiting the conditions.

Australia played two spinners the last time they alighted St Lucia in the T20 realm and Zampa was among those. Given his form and experience, Zampa is the man to back to take wickets for Australia.

Australia might look likely to have the better opening partnership given the good form shown by both David Warner and Travis Head.

The already qualified unit may opt to change things up and Cameron Green might come into an opening role.

However, Michael Jones and George Munsey should not be underestimated having put up 90 in ten overs against England before that match was rained off.

Scotland have seen great contributions in this tournament so far from Jones, Munsey and Brandon McMullen but skipper Richie Berrington hasn’t really stamped himself on proceedings.

Berrington is a man for the big moment and could step up to lead his team with the bat in one of the most important matches of his career.

If Mitchell Starc plays he will bring in the massive threat of the first wicket falling to one of his yorkers. When Starc is bowling taking on the first wicket to fall to a dismissal other than caught is a sound bet.

Predictions

Adam Zampa to take the most wickets for Australia

Scotland to have the better opening partnership

Richie Berrington to top score for Scotland

First wicket to fall to Australia not caught