ENGLAND overcame a top-order wobble to defeat Scotland by five wickets in Kolkata during T20 World Cup 2026 Match 23. Captain Harry Brook celebrated the two points, spotlighting Jofra Archer’s pace assault (2/24), Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 at No. 4, and middle-order grit that turned the tide.
Requiring 153, England romped home 10 balls early, Banton and Jacob Bethell (32) starring in the chase against Scotland’s 152/9. Brook admitted Scotland’s strong start against spin had them worried, but persistence paid off.
‘Pleased with the result. They outplayed our spinners early, but we regained momentum,’ he stated.
Archer dismantled Scotland’s innings with precise bowling, yorkers and bouncers troubling all. Early strikes – Munsey and McMullen – set the tone. ‘Beautiful lengths, line-length perfection, top skills,’ Brook commended.
England’s innings imploded at the top: Salt and Buttler out in powerplay to Currie-McMullen’s accuracy, leaving them reeling. Enter Bethell and Banton: 66-run rescue act.
Post-Bethell (32), Brook’s brief 4-run stay ended quickly, ramping up pressure. Undeterred, Banton unleashed, fifty in 33 balls by dominating spin. Curran joined for a match-clinching 46-run alliance.
Brook on his star: ‘Brilliant batting. Seamless at four, spinner assault was class. Tactics worked. Trust the middle order always. Solid pitch, quick boundaries – play safe, exploit gaps, go big opportunistically. Banton mastered it; Curran’s knock effective.’
From bowling Scotland out after early resistance to Banton’s poise, England showcased character. Archer’s resurgence adds bite to their attack, positioning them strongly in the points table.