England beat Scotland to get T20 World Cup bid back on track | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup News
England Secures Victory Over Scotland at T20 World Cup
KOLKATA, India (February 14, 2026) — England achieved a five-wicket victory over Scotland in Kolkata on Saturday, reinforcing their position in the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage.
Tom Banton led England with an unbeaten 63 runs, guiding the team to a total of 155 runs for 5 wickets in 18.2 overs. This win positions England favorably as they prepare for their final Group C match against Italy on Monday at Eden Gardens, where a victory will ensure their advancement to the Super Eights.
Scotland was bowled out for 152 runs. Jacob Bethell contributed 32 runs, while Sam Curran added 28. Will Jacks finished the match with 16 runs off just 10 balls, including a six and a four.
England’s innings began with some challenges as the new white ball swung under the evening lights. Phil Salt was dismissed for just two runs on the third ball by Brandon McMullen, followed shortly by Jos Buttler’s exit, leaving the team at 13 for 2.
Bethell broke the scoring drought by hitting three boundaries in the fifth over. However, spinner Mark Watt faced difficulties, conceding 22 runs in his first over, which included three sixes by Banton.
A partnership yielding 66 runs ended when Bethell, on 32, was caught by Brad Wheal off a delivery by Oliver Davidson. Captain Harry Brook also exited quickly, leading to a brief moment of concern at 86 for 4. Nevertheless, England remained in control, ultimately completing the chase with 10 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, England’s bowlers displayed significant improvement from their previous outing, where they allowed 196 runs against the West Indies. Captain Richie Berrington was Scotland’s top scorer with 49 runs off 32 balls, contributing to a 71-run partnership with Tom Bruce, who scored 24.
England’s bowlers contained Scotland effectively, led by Jofra Archer, who claimed two early wickets and finished with figures of 2 for 24. Adil Rashid excelled with 3 for 36, while Liam Dawson contributed with 2 for 34, as Scotland faltered in the latter stages of their innings, losing their last seven wickets for just 39 runs.
England will look to maintain their momentum as they face Italy to clinch their spot in the next round of the tournament.
