Aiming for a series whitewash on Scottish soil, Australia’s decision to field first after winning the toss proved effective as Aaron Hardie struck early, dismissing the first batter in the third over. Despite this setback, Scotland’s aggressive approach during the powerplay saw George Munsey score 25 off 17 balls and Brandon McMullen contribute with some impressive shots, resulting in a 54-run powerplay.
Skipper Richie Berrington quickly followed Munsey’s lead, but Australia’s bowlers, Cameron Green and Sean Abbott, made further inroads, leaving Scotland struggling at 123/5 after 15 overs.
Although Mark Watt hit a six and a four in the following eight balls, McMullen, who had scored a consecutive fifty, was dismissed by Marcus Stoinis. Two more wickets fell in quick succession, leaving Scotland at 149/9 after 20 overs.
In response, Jake Fraser-McGurk’s poor form continued as he was dismissed for another duck by Brad Currie. Travis Head managed a couple of fours in his eleven-ball innings before Currie struck again in the fourth over, leaving Australia in trouble at 18/2.
Undeterred by the early wickets, Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green launched a counterattack, accumulating 45 runs in the powerplay. The pair added 61 runs together before Marsh was dismissed by Jack Jarvis, with Australia at 86/3 midway through the chase.
— Gill Bill (@bill_gill76078) September 7, 2024
Tim David and Green then scored 20 runs in the next two overs, and Green’s impressive innings included a six and a four to bring up his half-century. David also added a couple of fours in the 14th over before being dismissed by Chris Sole. With 19 runs needed from 34 balls, Green and Aaron Hardie comfortably completed the chase in 23 balls with six wickets remaining, securing a 3-0 series whitewash for Australia.
