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Assuming England overcome Namibia, then this serves as an all or nothing fixture for Scotland, with victory over Australia securing progress to the ‘Super 8s’ but defeat sends them home.
DATE & TIME: Saturday 15th June, 2024: USA (WST) – 5:30pm / USA (CST) – 7:30pm / USA (EST) – 8:30pm / Saint Lucia – 8:30pm / Sunday 16th June, 2024: UK – 1:30am / India – 6:00am / South Africa – 2:30am / Pakistan – 5:30am / Bangladesh – 5:30am / Australia – 9:30am
VENUE: Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, West Indies
WEATHER: Dry conditions with clear skies, a gentle breeze and temperatures hovering at around 28c.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: USA – Willow TV / West Indies – ESPN Caribbean / UK – Sky Sports / South Africa – SuperSport / Pakistan – PTV Sports & TEN Sports / India– Star Sports / Bangladesh – Disney Star
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: USA – Willow TV website / West Indies – ESPN Play Caribbean app / UK – Sky Go / South Africa – SuperSport app / Pakistan – Myco & Tamasha / India – Disney+Hotstar / Bangladesh – Disney+Hotstar / Australia – Amazon Prime Video
AUSTRALIA FORM: ON THE HUNT FOR SEVEN STRAIGHT WINS WITH QUALIFICATION ALREADY SECURE
Wins over Oman, England and Namibia has already ensured Australia’s safe passage to the next round, but Mitchell Marsh’s side have a key role to play when it comes to deciding which nation will join them in the ‘Super 8s’.
LAST FIVE: WWWWW
SCOTLAND FORM: UNBEATEN SO FAR ACROSS THE GROUP STAGE, SCOTLAND TARGET BIGGEST SCALP
If Scotland can maintain their record of having not lost over the course of the group stage, then they will shock everybody by securing ‘Super 8s’ qualification over reigning champions England, but to do this they must pull off the ultimate upset.
LAST FIVE: WWALW
AUSTRALIA BETTING ANALYSIS
It isn’t easy to pinpoint specific Australian players to invest in from a betting point of view, as we could well see a much-changed side from the team who featured against Namibia. With a busy ‘Super 8s’ schedule ahead, resting key players, particularly on the bowling front would be well advised and is likely. However, you would expect Australia to record the highest first six-over-score.
David Warner will surely feature as he continues in his final tournament before full international retirement. The experienced opener will want to take any opportunity he can to put runs on the board and it would be no surprise if he accumulates a strong score here. Therefore, back Warner not only record over 25.5 match runs, but also consider a small stake on him to finish as Australia’s top batter.
SCOTLAND BETTING ANALYSIS
Twice in three innings opener George Munsey has hit 41 for Scotland across this T20 World Cup so far and good form can go a long way in a tournament such as this. Bettors should consider trying to capitalise on this by backing Munsey to score 20+ runs here via the ‘Batter Milestones’ market. His ability to clear the rope also warrants backing Munsey to hit over 0.5 match sixes.
Bowler Brad Wheal has acquired four wickets so far across the competition and his right-arm pace will be crucial in this match. A miniscule stake on Wheal to end the game as Scotland’s top bowler is worthy of consideration, but a safer bet would be backing him to acquire 1+ wicket, albeit at far shorter odds.
AUSTRALIA VS SCOTLAND EXPERT PREDICTION
The build-up to this match has been dominated by chatter over whether Australia will consider ‘manipulating’ the result to ensure Scotland’s progression to the ‘Super 8s’ and thus knocking England out. But Australia are a winning machine when it comes to Cricket World Cups in any format and they will want to enter the ‘Super 8s’ on the back of a 100% record.
Although Australia will likely rest a number of key players, they boast substantial depth within their squad and whatever team they field will be one of substantial quality. As well as Scotland have played over the course of this tournament, the Australians should prove a step too far for them.
AUSTRALIA VS SCOTLAND TOP TIP: AUSTRALIA TO WIN