The second T20I between Scotland and Australia at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh presented a challenging pitch for the batters. Unlike the first match, scoring wasn’t easy for either side—except for Josh Inglis. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter completely dominated the conditions, blazing his way to a historic century and breaking the record for the fastest century by an Australian in men’s T20I cricket. His sensational innings helped Australia secure a commanding 70-run win, giving them an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Australia had a rocky start when Travis Head, who had scored a century in the first T20I, was dismissed for a golden duck after Scotland won the toss and chose to bowl. However, Inglis, who was born in Leeds, took charge at number three. He smashed seven fours and seven sixes, reaching his century in just 43 balls—breaking the previous Australian T20I record by four deliveries. That record had been jointly held by Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, and former captain Aaron Finch.
Fastest T20I Centuries for Australia (by Balls Taken):
- 43 – Josh Inglis vs SCO, Edinburgh, 2024*
- 47 – Aaron Finch vs ENG, Southampton, 2013
- 47 – Josh Inglis vs IND, Visakhapatnam, 2023
- 47 – Glenn Maxwell vs IND, Guwahati, 2023
- 49 – Glenn Maxwell vs SL, Pallekele, 2016
Inglis ended his brilliant knock on 103 from 49 balls, providing the backbone for Australia’s total of 196-4. In contrast, the rest of Australia’s top six could only muster 89 runs off 73 balls combined. Inglis struck more boundaries than the rest of his teammates, and his strike rate of 210 was almost double that of any other Australian batter who faced at least 10 balls.
“It’s pretty special, to be honest,” said the 29-year-old Inglis after the match. “Holding that record is really nice. There was a bit going on with the pitch early on, but once the new ball wore off, it got easier. I was just trying to play good shots and show intent. It’s a great opportunity to get some game time and try to cement my spot. There are a lot of good players around, so putting up performances like this is key.”
Although Head was bowled by Scotland pacer Brad Currie for a first-ball duck, with Currie taking 3-37, there was no stopping Inglis. He eventually fell for 103, caught in the covers off Chris Sole’s bowling.
In response, Scotland’s chase faltered early on. Brandon McMullen was the only standout performer, scoring 59 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled. Australia’s Marcus Stoinis delivered a strong performance with the ball, claiming 4-23 to help bundle Scotland out for 126 in 16.4 overs.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 196-4 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 103; Brad Currie 3-37)
- Scotland: 126 all out in 16.4 overs (Brandon McMullen 59; Marcus Stoinis 4-23)
