Australia scripted a new record for the highest power-play score in the history of T20I in the opening match against Scotland at the Grange Club in Edinburgh on August 4. This achievement shattered South Africa’s previous record for the highest power-play score in the shortest format.
In pursuit of the 155-run target, Australia lost debutant Jake Fraser-McGurk for a three-ball duck, bowled out by Brandon McMullen. Despite this early setback, the Australian lineup, known for its explosive batting, led by Travis Head, set a new record for the highest power-play score in T20I history. Head, alongside Marsh, contributed to a formidable partnership of 113 runs and this performance surpassed the previous record of 102/0 set by South Africa against the West Indies in 2023. Notably, Marsh scored 39 off just 12 balls with five boundaries and three sixes and was dismissed by Mark Watt on the very first delivery of the seventh over.
Head, known for his ferocious batting, delivered a masterclass with a dominant innings, blasting five sixes and 12 fours to rack up a quickfire 80 off just 25 balls. He achieved it at an astonishing strike rate of 320. Later, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis added an unbeaten 27 off 13 deliveries. The Australian team made a mockery of the total as they chased it in just 9.4 overs.
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Earlier in the game, Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and opted to field first. Scotland made a slow start, missing a few early wickets. However, on a flat pitch, their batters made a noteworthy impact against an inexperienced Australian bowling attack. Opener George Munsey scored a brisk 28 off 16 balls, and later wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Henry Cross added 27, helping the hosts set a competitive target of 154/9. Sean Abbot emerged as Australia’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/39 while Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa contributed two wickets each.
The second T20I of the three-match series will be played at the same stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 6.
