Scotland captain Richie Berrington said his team can “hold their heads high” after defeat to Australia ended their hopes of reaching the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup.
Scotland would have progressed to the second round at England’s expense had they beaten Mitchell Marsh’s side in St Lucia on Sunday, but lost by five wickets as the 2021 champions reached their target of 181 with two balls to go lose.
Berrington’s men accumulated an Associate Nation’s highest score against Australia in T20 cricket of 180-5, with the skipper contributing 42 from 31 balls after Brandon McMullen hit 60 from 34 and George Munsey in hit 35 out of 23.
T20 World Cup Group B final standings as Australia, England qualify for Super 8s
Scotland were knocked out on net runs rate after finishing level on points with England, a team they crushed for 90 runs from 10 overs – Munsey making 41 from 31 and his opening partner Michael Jones 45 out of 30 – before this match was rained out earlier this year. month.
Berrington said: “The guys can hold their heads high in terms of the way they have played cricket throughout this tournament.
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Highlights from Barbados, where Scotland’s George Munsey and Michael Jones impressed against England before their T20 World Cup clash was called off
“It’s a great learning experience for us, a great experience for the guys. We’re disappointed because we were in a position where we could win.
“(Australia) have some excellent ball-strikers throughout the team and some big overs at the back brought them back into the game and made it difficult to get out.”
“Scotland have improved a lot”
Of Scotland, Australian captain Marsh said: “They are a very good team. They have improved a lot in recent years. We have a lot of respect for them, they took it all the way.
“T20 is a tough format, you can be slightly behind and lose to anyone – as we almost saw today. We were pushed all the way and a bit of experience came through. “
Australia finished top of Group B with eight points after four wins from four and will meet India, Afghanistan and one of Bangladesh or the Netherlands in Group 1 of the Super 8, while England will face West Indies, USA and South Africa in Group 2.
Marsh added: “The World Cup starts again now. We have great confidence in our squad and know we can continue to win cricket matches.”
Australia are aiming to achieve a hat-trick of ICC trophies in this World Cup, as they already hold the World Test Championship and 50-over World Cup titles, beating India in the final of these tournaments respective in 2023.
Australia thoroughly tested by Scotland before winning in St Lucia
Marsh’s side will also travel to Scotland in September for three T20 internationals, on a tour of the UK which will also include three T20s and five one-day internationals against England.
Watch every T20 World Cup match, including the final in Barbados on Saturday June 29, live on Sky Sports.
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