The England Cricket team secured a five-wicket win against Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at Eden Gardens. England chased down Scotland’s score of 152, finishing with 155 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 18.2 overs. This victory placed England second in Group C and was their first T20 World Cup win against a European nation.
Bowlers Set the Base for England
Scotland ended their innings with 152 runs in 19.4 overs. The pitch aided spinners while still supporting good batting. Scotland started strong, with Michael Jones scoring 33 runs off 20 balls and Richie Berrington contributing 49 runs from 32 balls as the top scorer. Tom Bruce added 24 runs, partnering with Berrington for a 50-run partnership.
Scotland looked solid at 113 runs with three wickets down. However, England’s spinners shifted the momentum. Adil Rashid took Berrington’s wicket lbw, and Liam Dawson dismissed Bruce. Scotland quickly lost five wickets for 14 runs. Oliver Davidson scored 20 runs, helping the team reach 150, but it was still below a competitive total.
Jofra Archer made a strong start for England, taking two early wickets, dismissing George Munsey and Brandon McMullen in his first over. Rashid finished with three wickets, while Dawson took two. Sam Curran and Jamie Overton contributed one wicket each.
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Early Trouble in the Chase
England started their chase poorly. Phil Salt scored just 2 runs before getting out, and Jos Buttler managed only 3 runs before his dismissal. The middle order faced pressure with the score at 13 and two wickets down. Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton attempted to stabilize the innings. Bethell scored 32 runs but got out while trying to accelerate the scoring.
When Harry Brook was dismissed for just 4 runs, the match was in a delicate position. Scotland continued to push for opportunities. Mark Watt suffered in one over, conceding 22 runs to Banton, who hit three sixes, swinging the momentum back to England.
Banton Leads the Way
Tom Banton was crucial in the chase, remaining not out on 63 runs from 41 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Despite earlier low scores, he exhibited confidence and control throughout the match.
Banton formed an essential partnership with Sam Curran, who added 28 runs from 20 balls. Their partnership brought stability to the team and avoided late-game issues. Will Jacks finished the match not out on 16, alongside Banton.
England completed the match with 10 balls remaining. This win was significant, especially after their previous loss to the West Indies, boosting their confidence and improving their group standing.
Scotland may feel they fell short by 15 to 20 runs. The team showed strong determination in their bowling but couldn’t reach a total that would have ensured success on this pitch. England, however, performed better under pressure in the latter stages of the match.
