It's a top-of-the-table clash as Australia takes on Scotland in their final T20 World Cup 2024 Group B game at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia on June 16 at 6:00 AM IST. Scotland needs to win to seal their spot into the Super Eight stage. After England's massive victory over Oman, Scotland's Super Eights qualification no longer depends on the net run rate. They now need England to lose to Namibia, which would make the Australia-Scotland match irrelevant, or they can take matters into their own hands and defeat the mighty Australia. The Aussies, who have already qualified for the Super Eight stage, will be eager to maintain their momentum with a fourth consecutive win at the World Cup.

Australia takes on Scotland in a top-of-the-table Group B clash

Australia is now in top form, a far cry from their first 10 overs against Oman. A comfortable victory over the defending champions England was impressive, and their crushing nine-wicket win over Namibia was brutal. Strong performances from key batters and bowlers are a good sign for the rest of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Scotland has also been performing well, with two strong matches against Namibia and Oman, and a quick start against England (90 runs off 10 overs) before rain interrupted in Barbados.

On the assumption that England will beat Namibia, Richie Berrington's team has a simple but daunting task ahead. If they manage to upset Australia, it would not only be a historic victory but also eliminate neighbours England from the T20 World Cup 2024. Australia and Scotland last met at the 2015 ODI World Cup, where Australia won by seven wickets. Leask hoped that could work in their favour. But one thing is for sure. It is a 'Hell of an opportunity' for Scotland as they eye a historic victory over Australia to grab a Super Eight spot.

As they showed against Oman, the top order is packed with power, led by George Munsey, while captain Richie Berrington offers experienced and calming influence in the middle order. He and Leask played a critical role in the match-winning stand against Namibia. Australia have looked like one of the strongest teams in the competition. They will still field a very strong XI even if they rest a few players as expected. However, Scotland has also displayed strong cricket performance and securing a spot in the Super Eight would ensure participation in the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

AUS vs SCO Match 35: Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia Weather and Pitch Report

It's the first game of the tournament for St Lucia, so it's another venue for the teams to get used to. Australia will return here for their T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight game against India, and either Scotland or England will play against West Indies at the stadium named after their coach, Daren Sammy. The forecast indicates a slight chance of rain. However, a washout would be sufficient for Scotland to grab a Super Eight spot. 

Daren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, located north of St Lucia, is traditionally known as one of the more batter-friendly venues in the Caribbean. The most recent T20I here was in 2021. The Australians have played nine T20Is at the ground, going back to the 2010 World Cup. But it has yet to be a happy hunting ground for Australia, with five of those games taking place during the Covid tour of 2021, where they lost the series 4-1. Skipper Mitchell Marsh led Australia during the series, finishing with the most runs and wickets.

Predicted Australia Playing XI

Australia has the luxury of looking forward to the Super Eight stage. They will face Afghanistan, India, and most likely Bangladesh, and can rotate players for this game if they wish. It might be wise not to rush Mitchell Starc back, and there may be a need to manage Marcus Stoinis considering the tight schedule from the Super Eight onwards. With Australia likely resting some players, Nathan Ellis seems set for another appearance, making it three games for him in the group stage. Ellis' skiddy style and his excellent yorker make him a very consistent performer when called upon. Whether Australia will take the opportunity to provide match practice to the members of their squad who haven't played yet remains to be seen. Cameron Green, Ashton Agar, and Josh Inglis have not yet had a chance to play.

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Ashton Agar, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short.

Predicted Scotland Playing XI

Scotland will likely stick to their winning formula as they are in top form. With a six-day break since their last match, the players should be fresh and ready to go. Left-armer Brad Currie missed the Oman game with a niggle, but Leask said that everyone was fit so he could return in place of Safyaan Sharif. Mark Watt is a crafty and clever left-arm spinner known for his 24-yard delivery. During the last T20 World Cup in Australia, he gained attention for the notes he had written down in his pocket during the match against West Indies.

SCO Playing XI

George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Chris Sole, Brad Wheal, Brad Currie

Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross (WK), Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.