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In a thrilling and historic display of aggressive batting, Australia shattered the record for the most balls remaining in a T20 chase of 150 or more, during the first T20I of their 2024 tour against Scotland. The match, played at the Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh, saw the Australians chase down a target of 155 with a jaw-dropping 62 balls remaining, marking one of the most dominant T20 performances in recent memory.
Opting to bowl first, Australia restricted Scotland to a respectable total of 154/9 in their 20 overs. Despite notable contributions from George Munsey (28 off 16) and Richie Berrington (23 off 20), Scotland struggled to build partnerships, with Australia’s bowlers keeping tight control throughout the innings. Sean Abbott led the charge with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 39 runs, while Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa picked up two wickets each, keeping the Scottish batsmen in check.
Travis Head’s explosive knock powers Australia to victory over Scotland
In response, Australia launched a devastating assault on Scotland’s bowling lineup. Opening the batting, captain Travis Head played a blistering knock, hammering 80 runs off just 25 balls, including 12 fours and 5 sixes. His extraordinary strike rate and clean hitting dismantled the Scottish bowlers right from the outset. Head’s explosive innings was supported by Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 39 off 12 balls, with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Together, the pair added 91 runs in just 4.5 overs, leaving Scotland stunned.
Australia’s momentum continued with Josh Inglis, who contributed a quickfire 27 off 13 balls, helping his team breeze past the target in just 9.4 overs. The match ended with Australia’s score at 156/3, cementing a record-breaking chase that left Scotland with no answers.
Also READ: Highest powerplay total in T20I history: Travis Head steers Australia to quick win over Scotland in series opener
This victory, achieved with 62 balls to spare, not only secured Australia a 1-0 lead in the series but also etched their name into the T20 record books. The 62-ball margin is the largest for any team chasing a total of 150 or more in T20 cricket.
Australia equals Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record
Australia’s remarkable effort ties with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who also won with 62 balls to spare against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). SRH successfully chased 166 at Hyderabad, a feat that had been unmatched until Australia’s heroics in Edinburgh.
Other notable chases with large margins include Brisbane Heat, who chased 157 against Melbourne Stars in the 2019 Big Bash League with 60 balls to spare, and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who chased 150 against Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League, winning with 57 balls remaining.
Team winning with most balls to spare (Target >= 150)
- 62 balls remaining – Australia chased 155 against Scotland at Edinburgh in 2024
- 62 balls remaining – Sunrisers Hyderabad chased 166 against Lucknow Super Giants at Hyderabad in 2024
- 60 balls remaining – Brisbane Heat chased 157 against Melbourne Stars at Brisbane in 2019
- 57 balls remaining – Guyana Amazon Warriors chased 150 against Jamaica Tallawahs at Kingston in 2017
