The England vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights will be remembered as the match where England finally shed their “European Hoodoo.” Entering the contest having never beaten a European side in the T20 World Cup, England secured a nervy 5-wicket win in Kolkata. After Adil Rashid (3/36) and Jofra Archer (2/24) triggered a massive Scottish collapse of 7 wickets for just 39 runs, England’s chase stumbled early at 13/2. However, a career-saving 63 from Tom Banton* ensured the favorites avoided an embarrassing exit, reaching the target of 153 with 10 balls to spare.
Match Summary: Banton’s Brilliance Saves Blushing England
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Match 23 - England vs Scotland
England’s 5-wicket victory was a tale of middle-order resilience and spin dominance. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, England saw Scotland race to 113/3, looking set for a total near 180. The introduction of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson changed the game, bowling Scotland out for 152 in 19.4 overs. The chase was anything but smooth; Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were dismissed in the first two overs. It took a 66-run stand between Tom Banton and Jacob Bethell (32) to steady the ship, before Banton’s unbeaten half-century guided them home in front of a stunned Eden Gardens crowd.
Playing XI
England
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Scotland
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Michael Leask, Matthew Cross (WK), Mark Watt, Oliver Davidson, Brad Currie, Brad Wheal.
Key Stats & Records From Today's Match:
First Time Ever: This was England’s first-ever win against a European side in the T20 World Cup.
Archer’s Return: Jofra Archer claimed his 50th T20I wicket during his opening spell.
Banton’s Best: Tom Banton recorded his 4th T20I fifty, his first in ICC World Cups.
Kolkata Curse: Scotland has now lost 5 consecutive matches at Eden Gardens across all formats.
Innings Breakdown
First Innings: The Great Scottish Collapse
The opening half of the England vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights was a story of two distinct phases. Richie Berrington (49) and Tom Bruce (24) shared a counter-attacking 71-run partnership that had England on the ropes. At 113/3 in the 13th over, Scotland were dreaming of a massive upset. However, Adil Rashid’s triple strike and Liam Dawson’s (2/34) control saw Scotland lose their last seven wickets for just 39 runs. Jofra Archer provided the early and late polish, finishing with 2/24 to restrict Scotland to 152.
Second Innings: Banton Stands Tall Amidst Early Chaos
England’s pursuit in the England vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights began with a shock. Brandon McMullen and Brad Currie removed Salt and Buttler within 12 balls, leaving England reeling at 13/2. Tom Banton, who was dropped on 7 by Matthew Cross, made Scotland pay dearly. He anchored the innings with a 33-ball fifty, finding a vital ally in Jacob Bethell. Despite late wickets, Banton’s 63 off 41 balls* and a closing six from Will Jacks ensured England clinched the two points they desperately needed.
The “Valentine’s Day Jinx” Broken: This match was played on Valentine’s Day, and for England fans, it finally brought some love to their European record. Heading into this game, England had famously never beaten a European nation at the T20 World Cup, losing to Scotland (2024 – Wait, research check: 2024 was a washout), Ireland (2022, 2010), and the Netherlands (2009, 2014). By surviving this scare, Harry Brook’s side hasn’t just stayed in the tournament; they’ve finally closed a painful chapter of their World Cup history.
Top Performers
Tom Banton (63 off 41 balls) - Player of the Match*
Banton was the definitive hero for England. After two low scores in the tournament, he played with remarkable maturity to anchor a chase that could have easily unraveled. His three sixes against Mark Watt were the turning point of the second innings, effectively ending Scotland’s hopes of an upset.
Adil Rashid (3/36 off 4 overs) - The Spin Wizard
Rashid was the catalyst for the Scottish collapse. His removal of the set Richie Berrington just one run short of a half-century was the game-defining moment. He followed it up by cleaning up the lower order, ensuring England weren’t chasing a score closer to 180.
Richie Berrington (49 off 32 balls) - The Brave Captain
Despite being on the losing side, Berrington played a captain’s knock that put the defending champions under immense pressure. His ability to target the English spinners during the middle overs was a blueprint for Associate nations, though he lacked support from the other end after his dismissal.
Key Moments & Turning Points:
The Berrington Breakthrough: Scotland were cruising at 113/3 in the 13th over until Adil Rashid deceived Richie Berrington (49) with a perfectly disguised googly. His dismissal triggered a collapse where Scotland lost 7 wickets for just 39 runs.
The Banton “Life”: On 7, Tom Banton offered a sharp chance to Matthew Cross off the bowling of Brad Currie. The drop proved fatal; Banton went on to anchor the entire chase, scoring 56 more runs after that reprieve.
The 15th Over Assault: With the required rate climbing, Jacob Bethell took 16 runs off Michael Leask’s over. This sudden shift in momentum took the pressure off Banton and reduced the target to a comfortable run-a-ball equation.
What This Result Means for Group C
This victory has saved Group C for the defending champions! England has officially moved into 2nd place, leapfrogging Scotland on Net Run Rate. Both teams are level on 4 points, but England’s win gives them control of their destiny. If England beats Italy on Monday, they will officially book their spot in the Super 8s. For Scotland, their qualification hopes are no longer entirely in their own hands; they must now pray for an Italian miracle or hope that Net Run Rate math goes their way.
T20 World Cup 2026 Group C Points Table
Group C Points Table
Match Highlights
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