England registered a composed five-wicket victory over Scotland in the 23rd Match of Group C at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played at Eden Gardens. After opting to bowl first, England restricted Scotland to 152 in 19.4 overs and then chased down the target in 18.2 overs, thanks largely to a fluent half-century from Tom Banton and a clinical bowling effort led by Adil Rashid.
Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer lead England’s bowling charge
Having won the toss and chosen to field, England struck early through Jofra Archer, who looked sharp with the new ball. George Munsey fell cheaply for 4, and Brandon McMullen departed for a duck, putting Scotland under immediate pressure. However, Michael Jones counter-attacked with an entertaining 33 off 20 balls, striking five boundaries and a six to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The backbone of Scotland’s innings came from captain Richie Berrington, who played a responsible yet aggressive knock of 49 off 32 deliveries. With five fours and two sixes, Berrington steadied the innings and stitched useful partnerships, particularly with Tom Bruce, who contributed 24 off 18 balls. Their stand briefly threatened to take Scotland beyond 160.
England’s spinners, however, pulled things back in the middle overs. Adil Rashid was the standout performer, picking up three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs, breaking key partnerships at crucial moments. Liam Dawson chipped in with two wickets, while Archer and Jamie Overton maintained control at the death. Scotland were eventually bowled out for 152, losing their last few wickets in a cluster.
Early jolts for England in the chase
England’s reply did not begin smoothly. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler both fell cheaply, leaving England at 10 for 2 and briefly giving Scotland hope. Bradley Currie and McMullen struck early, exploiting some movement under the lights.
Jacob Bethell and Banton then rebuilt the innings with a calm and calculated partnership. Bethell played the anchor role with 32 off 28 balls, rotating strike effectively while allowing Banton to find his rhythm.
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Tom Banton anchors the chase with classy fifty
Banton was the difference-maker on the night. His 63 off 41 balls, studded with four boundaries and three sixes, shifted the momentum decisively in England’s favour. Banton mixed timing with placement, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the required rate under control.
Although Harry Brook and Sam Curran fell cheaply, Will Jacks ensured there were no further hiccups. Curran’s brisk 28 off 20 balls, including two sixes, provided the finishing touches. Jacks also chipped in with a quick 16, and England crossed the line in 18.2 overs to secure a valuable five-wicket win.
Scotland’s bowlers tried to keep the contest alive. Currie, Brad Wheal and Michael Leask picked up a wicket each, while Oliver Davidson impressed with economical figures of 1 for 12 in his two overs. However, Mark Watt proved expensive, conceding 43 runs in three overs, which eased the pressure during the chase. In the end, England’s experience in handling tense chases and their disciplined bowling performance proved decisive.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Banton brings us home! 💪
Victory in Kolkata with 10 balls to spare 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yfFpsUm2fN
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 14, 2026
Tom Banton’s brilliance with the bat helped England gain a crucial victory over Scotland👏
He wins the @aramco POTM🎖️
📝: https://t.co/3vSBGUbVTo pic.twitter.com/xDimEO4P3U
— ICC (@ICC) February 14, 2026
Tom Banton sees England home with a brilliant 63 not out from 41 balls! 🔥🔥#YouAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/tFcKWJlJqj
— Somerset Cricket 🏆 (@SomersetCCC) February 14, 2026
PLAYER OF THE MATCH TOM BANTON FOR HIS MATCH WINNING KNOCK 63* OF 41 BALLS . pic.twitter.com/aZBC2VpJvS
— SQ Sports Network (@SaadatQasi85304) February 14, 2026
Tom Banton — Man of the match and star of the day ! ❤️🏴 pic.twitter.com/KniAgArc2b
— Brookýý 🏴 (@88Brooky) February 14, 2026
Tom Banton has been a revelation for this English side in this T20 WC 2026. They have batted poorly but found a gem in him. He is simply winning them matches now.
He had all the talent in the world no doubt about it yet it was not fulfilled at the highest level. He is aggressive… pic.twitter.com/nUTRteZ7t9
— Akshat (@Akshatgoel1408) February 14, 2026
A great innings by Tom Banton keeping us in the tournament #ENGvsSCO https://t.co/67TYg3YuZ6
— Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG (@LNevilleRolfe) February 14, 2026
Glad Tom Banton is getting a run and performing well. What helped him was playing for his county and getting time in the middle. Now showing it for England too.
— Met. (@AFCMet) February 14, 2026
England holds their nerve to chase down 153 & secure a 5 wicket victory over Scotland 🙌#ENGvSCO #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/QChvoMGBkK
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2026
How many better one-day bowlers have England ever had than Adil Rashid? Still so so good
— Andrew Moon (@mrandrewmoon) February 14, 2026
Turn. Drift. Domination 🌀
No bowler has turned it more this World Cup than Adil Rashid 🔥
His average turn is 4.5°, while other bowlers are finding it tough to turn the ball. pic.twitter.com/YXYDA6QwRC
— Arman Singh Rajput 🙂 (@IamArman45) February 14, 2026
