Josh Inglis smashes fastest T20I century as Australia post series win

Josh Inglis struck the fastest T20I century by an Australian, scoring 103 off 49 balls. His innings led Australia to a 70-run victory over Scotland, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series on Friday.

Inglis reached the milestone in just 43 balls, surpassing the previous record, which he shared with Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, by four deliveries. He eventually scored 103 off 49 balls, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s victory over Scotland.

Inglis' innings stood out as the rest of Australia’s top six managed only 89 runs from 73 balls combined. His knock laid the foundation for Australia to post 196 for 4.

Sent in to bat first, Australia set Scotland a target of 197 after dominating the series opener. Scotland had their moments during the chase, particularly through a quickfire 59 off 42 balls from Brandon McMullen, but they struggled to maintain the required run rate.

On a two-paced pitch that offered some seam movement, Australia’s seamers effectively utilised their height, bowling hard lengths and maximising the help from the surface.

Although Scotland had brief periods of momentum, with George Munsey hitting two leg-side sixes off Xavier Bartlett in the opening over, Australia struck back consistently.

McMullen impressed by using his feet against the quicks, hitting four sixes, including a standout pull shot over long-on off Aaron Hardie. However, regular wickets kept falling as Australia bowled into the pitch, forcing errors from Scotland’s batters.

The key moment came when Sean Abbott dismissed McMullen in the 13th over, ending Scotland’s primary resistance. From that point, Scotland collapsed, losing their last six wickets for just 20 runs, eventually being bowled out for 126 in 16.4 overs.

While Inglis flourished, the rest of Australia’s batting struggled. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who had been dismissed for a duck on his T20I debut in the previous match, managed to get off the mark with a boundary on his first ball.

However, his aggressive approach did not suit the conditions, and he often failed to make clean contact, eventually falling for a run-a-ball 16. Travis Head, who had smashed 80 off 25 balls in the first match, was out for a golden duck, bowled by a sharp inswinger from left-arm seamer Brad Currie.

Currie was part of a revamped Scotland side that included five players who had not featured in the first match. Three of the new inclusions were bowlers, and they made life difficult for the Australian batters, excluding Inglis.

Cameron Green laboured to 36 off 29 balls, and Marcus Stoinis scored an unbeaten 20 off 20. However, both Green and Stoinis would later make significant contributions with the ball, combining for 6 wickets for 39 runs in 5.4 overs.

Inglis, meanwhile, appeared to be batting on a different pitch than his teammates. While others struggled to find gaps and score freely, Inglis used his quick footwork and swift hands to find boundaries with ease. He manipulated the field expertly, making good use of the scoop and reverse scoop, and when Scotland’s bowlers tried to restrict him by bowling short, Inglis responded with powerful pulls and short-arm whips. His ability to generate bat speed and adjust his shots under pressure set him apart.

Australia’s total reached 179 when Chris Sole finally ended Inglis’ brilliant innings in the 19th over. Sole, introduced into the attack late in the 11th over, bowled only three overs but was Scotland’s most effective bowler. His greater pace and intelligent variations made him the most impactful bowler on the day for Scotland.

Australia nearly reached 200 thanks to a late cameo from Tim David. In the final over, David hammered the first two deliveries from Brad Wheal for six, with the second one soaring beyond the midwicket boundary and landing outside the ground.

Ultimately, Australia’s total of 196 was more than enough to defend, as Scotland’s collapse left them well short at 126 all out. The victory secured a series win for Australia, with Inglis’ record-breaking century standing as the highlight of the match. Despite Scotland’s best efforts with both bat and ball, they were unable to overcome the Australian attack or Inglis’ masterclass in aggressive batting.