Mitchell Starc’s 4-14 paved the way for Australia’s seven wicket victory over Scotland today with 34.4 overs to spare.
The former Yorkshire left-armer shared seven wickets with his new ball partner Pat Cummins as the Saltires were all out for 130 in 25.4 overs in Hobart.
Michael Clarke then top-scored with 47 as the home side secured second place in ICC Cricket World Cup Group A behind New Zealand with a record of four wins, one no-result and one defeat from their six matches.
Australia won the toss and elected to field at the Blundstone Arena before Starc, who found swing with both the new and old ball, quickly removed Kyle Coetzer for an 11-ball duck.
Sussex’s Matt Machan provided some upper order resistance, scoring 40 off 35 balls while Callum MacLeod scored 22.
But 36-1 quickly became 95-8 with Cummins helping himself to career-best figures of 3-42.
Josh Davey scored 26 – and Michael Leask 23 off 11 balls – as the tail dragged the Saltires past three figures, but a victory target of 131 allowed Australia the luxury of an experimental batting order.
Captain Clarke opted to open the batting and hit seven fours and two sixes before being brilliantly caught by Leask, off the bowling of Wardlaw, having mistimed an attempted pull.
The run chase was temporarily suspended by rain, after which James Faulkner and David Warner took just two overs to score the remaining 41 runs required for victory.
Faulkner was 16 not out off six. David Warner scored 21 off the same number of deliveries.
The co-hosts will find out their Quarter Final opponents tomorrow.
View the full match scorecard here
Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to watch England seek redemption against the Kiwis and secure your seat now.