Published: Mar 14, 2015, 04:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 14, 2015, 04:14 PM (IST)
Australia wrapped up second spot in Pool A behind New Zealand as Mitchell Starc took four for for 14 to help rout Scotland by seven wickets in rainy Hobart, in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. After their win, Australia captain Michael Clarke said that his side needs to be the best heading into the knockout games. Australia beat Scotland by 7 wickets in ICC World Cup 2015 Pool A match in Hobart
“Now it’s the knockout stages. We need to play at our best and I think if we do, we can win,” said Clarke. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD AND MATCH DETAILS: Australia vs Scotland in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
Scotland collapsed to 130 all out in an innings which featured five noughts and where only Matt Machan, with 40, looked dangerous. Australia captain Michael Clarke then promoted himself to the top of the order ahead of their quarter-final in Adelaide on March 20 by making a run-a-ball 47. Australia vs Scotland in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at Hobart: Highlights
Scotland have still to win a World Cup match — having now taken part in three editions — a run of 14 games. Australia are still awaiting their quarter-final opponents although it seems likely they will avoid South Africa who appear set for a Sydney clash with Sri Lanka on March 18.
Six of the eight quarter-finalists are known — New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and South Africa. That leaves 1992 champions Pakistan, 1975 and 1979 winners West Indies and non-Test side Ireland battling for the remaining two places out of Pool B.
Their fates will be decided on Sunday, with Pakistan facing Ireland in Adelaide almost eight years to the day since they were knocked out of the 2007 World Cup by the Irish. It will be an emotional occasion for Misbah-ul-Haq’s team as that defeat in Jamaica was followed the day after by the death of their coach Bob Woolmer.
In Napier, the West Indies should beat the United Arab Emirates to grab fourth spot but they will have one eye on the skies. Cyclone Pam, thousands of kilometres away in the South Pacific, could blow away their chances if it brings heavy rainfall to New Zealand’s North Island.
A washout would send Jason Holder’s men tumbling out of the tournament — they need two points from a victory, the solitary point awarded for a no-result will not be enough. Further complicating matters, the West Indies must soundly beat the UAE by 70 runs to ensure a place in the last eight.
