Scotland vs Australia, 1st T20I: Match Prediction - Who will win today’s match between SCO vs AUS?

The Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh is all set to host the first T20I of the three-match series between Scotland (SCO) and Australia (AUS) on Wednesday, September 4.

This is going to be the first time Australia will be stepping onto the field after their exit in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup in June. Mitchell Marsh's side suffered consecutive defeats to Afghanistan and India to crash out of the marquee event.

Scotland also played in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA but couldn't progress beyond the first round. They defeated Namibia and Oman but failed to defeat Australia in a must-win encounter. However, the European side did give Australia a good run for their money as the former champions eventually won by five wickets, with two balls to spare.

While Australia will start as the overwhelming favourites, Scotland will look to cause a monumental upset in the three-match series. Scotland played four 50-over encounters after the T20 World Cup. They will be raring to go against the Aussies, with the home crowd backing them all the way.

Also Read: Josh Hazlewood suffers calf strain, ruled out of T20I series versus Scotland

Grange Cricket Club Pitch Report

24 T20I matches have been played at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh so far. 16 out of those games have been won by teams batting first, while chasing teams have emerged victorious on eight occasions. The average first innings score is 171. While teams batting first have a great record at this venue in the T20 format, if the conditions are overcast, captains might opt to bowl first.

Head-To-Head Records

The only previous meeting between Scotland and Australia was in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Gros Islet, St Lucia. Australia emerged victorious and have a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head score line.

Also Check: Scotland announce 17-member squad for T20I series against Australia

Probable Playing 11 for SCO vs AUS

Scotland:

George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Christopher Sole, Brad Wheal, Safyaan Sharif

Australia:

Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Marsh (c), Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

Probable Top Performers from SCO vs AUS

Probable Best Batter: Travis Head

Travis Head has been one of Australia's best performers with the bat across the three formats. The southpaw has the ability to make top bowlers in world cricket look clueless with his merciless assault at the top of the order in white-ball cricket. Scotland's new-ball bowlers would want to see the back of him as soon as possible.

Probable Best Bowler: Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa might not have the conditions entirely in his favour in Scotland but his experience and skillsets make him lethal in any part of the world. The leg-spinner can run through batting lineups on his day and the Scottish batters will have to be wary of the threat he possesses.

Today's Match Prediction: Australia to win the match

Scenario 1

Scotland win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 45-55

AUS: 185-205

Australia win the match

Scenario 2

Australia win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 30-40

SCO: 135-155

Australia win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.