England beat Scotland to get T20 World Cup bid back on track

Al Jazeera

February 14, 2026

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England secured a crucial five-wicket victory over Scotland in Kolkata, India, ensuring their place in the Super Eights of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The match, played at Eden Gardens, saw England chase down a target of 152 with ease, thanks to an unbeaten 63 from Tom Banton and strong contributions from Jacob Bethell (32), Sam Curran (28), and Will Jacks (16). Despite a shaky start where Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell early, England’s batting lineup steadied the ship and finished the game comfortably with 10 balls to spare. Scotland’s performance was marked by a strong partnership between Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce, who put on 71 runs for the fourth wicket. However, their efforts were insufficient as England’s bowlers stepped up their game. Adil Rashid was the standout performer with 3-36, while Jofra Archer contributed 2-24, including early breakthroughs that set the tone for Scotland’s collapse. The visitors lost their last seven wickets for just 39 runs after Berrington and Bruce were dismissed in quick succession. The match was a turning point for England, who had struggled earlier in the tournament. Their victory over Scotland, coupled with an impending clash against Italy, keeps them on track for advancing to the next stage of the competition. The win also showcased England’s resilience, especially after a disappointing performance against the West Indies earlier in the group stages. For Scotland, the result was a missed opportunity to improve their standings in Group C. Despite Berrington’s 49 and Bruce’s solid partnership, their inability to build sustained pressure meant they fell short of a competitive total. The match highlighted the challenges smaller cricketing nations face against stronger teams, even when playing at home. The 2026 T20 World Cup is shaping up to be a high-stakes event, with matches like this one underscoring the intense competition and unpredictability of international cricket. England’s recovery against Scotland not only boosted their chances but also demonstrated their ability to adapt under pressure. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters that will keep global

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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026