'In this tournament, you potentially could come up against England at some stage again and they're probably one of the top few teams on their day. We've had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket. So, if we can get them out of the tournament that's in our best interest as well as probably everyone else'
These were the exact words spoken by Josh Hazlewood after Australia's win over Namibia a few days back. That set tongues wagging with even the 'spirit of cricket' brought into play if Australia did go on to lose against Scotland. Could Australia throw away an international match just to spite their Ashes rivals?
England's win over Oman and Namibia has ensured that Scotland will have to win tonight if they're to go through to the Super Eights. That brings us to Australia. With teams not carrying points into the next round, they can afford to experiment, they can go into the game with a slightly weakened XI, but would they want to lose the winning momentum? Will a proud team that's recently won the Test championships and the 50-over World Cup titles go to the extreme to oust one of their potential threats for the T20 title? Several plots and subplots are interlinked with each other as the T20 World Cup reaches the shores of St. Lucia, the ninth destination of the tournament.
Toss Update -
Australia have won the toss and have opted to field
Pitch Report -
St. Lucia is generally a balanced pitch. This time it looks like it will favour batsmen a bit more.
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Australia win by 5 wickets, England qualify for the Super Eights.
5 runs required in 6 balls now.
Tim David's hattrick of fours have left Australia requiring only 14 of 14.
Australia just require 26 runs in 18 balls. Stoinis is out though.
Head is out after hitting 3 sixes in 4 balls. Has he done the damage or its an opening for Scotland?
Australia are 121/3 requiring 60 in 30 balls. Australia have turned it around. Scotts need 2 wickets immediately or at least break the partnership.
Australia need 99 runs in 54 balls.
Australia are 74/3 in 10 overs
3rd wicket falls for Australia. Maxwell goes! I don't think Australia should win this from here on!
Australia have lost their 2nd wicket as Much tch Marsh is a goner now. The score is 47/2 in 7 overs. Is England going to be eliminated?
After 5 overs Australia are 34\1
Australia have started their innings very cautiously and they have lost Warner. The score is 14/1 after 3 overs.
A few good overs from Australia in the end and Scotts are limited to 180 in their quota of 20 overs.
Scotts have slowed down a bit. They have also lost their 4th wicket. The score is 138/4 after 15 overs. Can they reach 200 run mark?
It's 96/2 after 10 overs. Looking great for a 200+ score.
Amazing! Scotts are playing Aussie bowlers with much ease now. Score 54/1 after 6 overs.
The first shot of authority from a Scot batter tonight- a Six into the stands by McMullen. Scotts are 15/1 after 3 overs.
Mitchell Strc's first over goes for 1 run only. Scotts are 6/1 after 2 overs.
Scotland have lost their first wicket in the very 1st over of the match. A duck for Jones and the Scots are off to the worst possible start.