GROS-ISLET, Saint Lucia, June 16, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Scotland capitalised on untidy Australian fielding to post 180 for five batting first in the final Group B match of the T20 World Cup for both teams at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Saturday.

Needing an historic victory to join the Aussies in the Super Eight phase of the competition and eliminate title-holders England, Brandon McMullen led the Scottish effort with a top score of 60 off 34 balls (two fours, six sixes).

His ultra-aggression, and support from opener George Munsey (35) in an 89-run second-wicket partnership, pushed the scoring rate up to ten runs per over.

However Australia were able to regain a measure of containment when McMullen fell to leg-spinner Adam Zampa in the 12th over.

Despite a battling unbeaten 42 from skipper Richie Berrington, 69 runs came off the last 52 balls of the innings when Scotland would have been looking to put up a total in excess of 200. It is still their highest total in a T20 World Cup innings.

Glenn Maxwell's off-spin earned him the best figures of two for 44 although Zampa was the most economical, conceding 30 runs off his four overs.

A team that prides itself on impeccable fielding and catching, Australia fell away from that high standard with six chances, of varying degrees of difficulty, being put down by the 2021 champions.