Australia v Scotland
Wisden's review of the 40th match, Australia v Scotland
15-Apr-2016
At Hobart, March 14, 2015 (day/night). Australia won by seven wickets. Toss: Australia.
Rain posed the main threat to Australia, who rushed to the win that would rule out a quarter-final with South Africa and a possible semi away to New Zealand. To the crowd's chagrin, Clarke chose to bowl under angry skies. Starc was glorious, chopping through the top and tail as Scotland, dazed by his accuracy and pace, equalled the World Cup record of five ducks for the second time in this tournament. MacLeod raced to a 19-ball 22 before cutting to point, but only Machan showed nous. Davey and Leask hit out lustily before light rain forced them off for half an hour, and on their return Starc wrapped things up in four deliveries. Clarke, seeking time in the middle, promoted himself to open: his 47 was fluent, but not quite quick enough to beat the rain. It arrived, heavily, as he holed out with Australia 39 runs short and 40 balls shy of the required 20 overs. Davey had become the highest Associate wicket-taker in a single World Cup when he had Watson caught behind, beating Eddo Brandes's 14 for Zimbabwe in 1992, just before they won Test status. Resuming after 95 minutes, Warner hit the first ball back for six. He and Faulkner - who sealed the win with another six - took two overs to finish the job and secure Australia's safe passage. The entire match lasted 41 overs, with none lost, despite the rain. WILL MACPHERSON
Man of the Match: M. A. Starc.
Rain posed the main threat to Australia, who rushed to the win that would rule out a quarter-final with South Africa and a possible semi away to New Zealand. To the crowd's chagrin, Clarke chose to bowl under angry skies. Starc was glorious, chopping through the top and tail as Scotland, dazed by his accuracy and pace, equalled the World Cup record of five ducks for the second time in this tournament. MacLeod raced to a 19-ball 22 before cutting to point, but only Machan showed nous. Davey and Leask hit out lustily before light rain forced them off for half an hour, and on their return Starc wrapped things up in four deliveries. Clarke, seeking time in the middle, promoted himself to open: his 47 was fluent, but not quite quick enough to beat the rain. It arrived, heavily, as he holed out with Australia 39 runs short and 40 balls shy of the required 20 overs. Davey had become the highest Associate wicket-taker in a single World Cup when he had Watson caught behind, beating Eddo Brandes's 14 for Zimbabwe in 1992, just before they won Test status. Resuming after 95 minutes, Warner hit the first ball back for six. He and Faulkner - who sealed the win with another six - took two overs to finish the job and secure Australia's safe passage. The entire match lasted 41 overs, with none lost, despite the rain. WILL MACPHERSON
Man of the Match: M. A. Starc.