Banton’s Unbeaten 63 Guides England to Crucial Victory Over Scotland in T20 World Cup Clash

KOLKATA — England kept their knockout hopes alive with a tense five-wicket win over Scotland in a must-win T20 World Cup group clash at Eden Gardens, chasing down a modest target with controlled aggression after early damage.

In this high-pressure Eng vs Scot contest, Scotland posted 152 after showing early fight but losing grip through the middle overs. England replied with 155/5 in 18.2 overs, with Tom Banton (63 off 41) producing a match-shaping unbeaten knock that turned a shaky start into a winning finish.

Bowling first, England cricket team struck inside the powerplay through Jofra Archer, who removed two batters and reached a personal T20I milestone in the process. Scotland rebuilt through a counterattacking stand led by captain Richie Berrington and Michael Jones, shifting momentum briefly and pushing the total past 100 at a healthy rate.

The reset came via spin. Adil Rashid (3/36) broke the partnership and sliced through the middle order with clever variations. From a position of control, the Scottish lineup slipped quickly, losing a cluster of wickets and getting bowled out short of a stronger finish.

The chase began poorly for England. Two quick wickets in the opening overs put them immediately behind the rate and forced a change in approach. Banton absorbed the pressure, rotated strike, and punished width. A steady stand with Jacob Bethell repaired the innings and brought the equation back under control in the middle phase.

Even when another wicket fell, Banton held shape and tempo. His boundary options stayed square and straight, denying Scotland any late opening. With the target in sight, a burst of clean hitting from Will Jacks closed the game with more than an over to spare.

The result lifts England in the group race and keeps qualification scenarios open heading into the final round of fixtures. Scotland, despite phases of control, now face a tighter path forward after this Eng vs Scot defeat.