England kept their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on track with a hard fought five wicket win over Scotland at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After bowling Scotland out for 152, England chased down the target in 18.2 overs to move to second place in Group C.
The win was important for England after their earlier defeat to the West Indies in the group stage.
Archer And Spinners Restrict Scotland To 152
After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook chose to bowl first. Jofra Archer struck early and removed George Munsey and Brandon McMullen in the same over to put Scotland under pressure. Sam Curran also picked up a wicket in the powerplay as Scotland slipped to 42 for 3.
Scotland recovered through captain Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce. The pair added 71 runs for the fourth wicket and pushed the score past 100. Bruce scored 24 before he was caught off Liam Dawson.
Berrington looked set for a half-century but was trapped leg before wicket by Adil Rashid for 49. Rashid and Dawson then controlled the middle overs and shared key wickets as Scotland were bowled out for 152 in 19.4 overs. Oliver Davidson remained unbeaten on 20 and helped Scotland cross the 150 mark.
Banton Anchors Nervy Chase
England had a poor start with the bat. Phil Salt was dismissed in the first over, and Jos Buttler followed soon after. At 13 for 2, England were under pressure.
Tom Banton and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings with a 66-run partnership. Bethell made 32 off 28 balls before getting out in the 10th over. Harry Brook could not stay long and was dismissed for 4.
Banton remained calm and played responsible cricket. He reached his half-century and stayed unbeaten on 63 off 41 balls. Sam Curran supported him with 28 runs.
Will Jacks finished the match in the 19th over with a six and a four as England reached 155 for 5 with 10 balls remaining.
This victory keeps England firmly in the race for the next stage. Scotland showed fight in patches but could not build on their middle-overs recovery. England will now prepare for their next Group C match in Kolkata.
