Australia vs Scotland predictions: Head in the right direction with Travis
- Australia have never before lost a T20 international to an associate member nation
- Travis Head has scored at least 25 runs in nine of his last 13 T20Is
- Recommended Bet: Travis Head 25+ Runs and Australia to win
Australia are the overwhelming favourites to beat Scotland in each team’s concluding T20 World Cup Group B match in St. Vincent on Sunday.
Victory for the Baggy Greens would boost England’s prospects of reaching the Super 8s, but Michell Marsh’s side are not concerned by that as they aim to stay unbeaten in the tournament.
Team news
Australia have no major injury concerns and are likely to go in with their full-strength playing XI, which will include paceman Pat Cummins and seamers Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis.
David Warner and Travis Head have been in sublime form as the opening pair, scoring heavily in the powerplay overs.
Adam Zampa has been the standout bowler with four wickets in the last match at a cost of just three runs per over.
Marsh will continue to lead the side with Matthew Wade helping to balance the side as the wicketkeeper batter.
As for Scotland, Richie Berrington’s team have no reported injuries and should field their strongest XI.
George Munsey and Brandon McMullen have led their batting charge, with McMullen's 61 off 31 balls being a highlight in the last match.
Safyaan Sharif has been their most economical bowler, while the others have been a bit expensive.
The stats
Warner has scored 76 runs in the powerplay overs across three innings, the second highest in the tournament so far.
Team-mate Head tops the powerplay runs chart with a tally of 80 runs from the first six overs.
Australia have been among the best at exploiting the fielding restrictions with an average powerplay score of 61.66 runs in their three games.
Skipper Marsh has scored at a strike rate of 200 in the middle overs.
Scotland’s McMullen has scored more tournament fours (11) than any Australia batter bar Warner (also 11).
Prediction
Australia have joked about going soft on Scotland to ensure England’s early exit from the tournament, but it is not in their nature to do anything other than go for victory in this final group game.
Marsh’s men are looking to add the T20 World Cup to the 50-over crown they wrestled away from India to cap what would be a sensational six months.
Scotland have punched above their weight with two wins from three matches so far, but their run looks likely to end in St Vincent.
Australia are simply too strong and their top order score heavily in the powerplay overs.
Head has been a revelation since being moved up to open the batting with Warner and his record is remarkably consistent.
He has scored more than 25 runs in nine of his last 13 innings in this format and will be looking to punish anything loose from the Scots’ attack.
