HIGHLIGHTS England vs Scotland, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 23 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The Scottish players are making their way out to the middle and spreading out to take their respective field positions. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who is also playing his 150th T20I, are the two openers for England. Brandon McMullen to start proceedings with the ball. A slip in place and the keeper is upto the stumps as well. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

England in the Box Seat - The English batters will relish the ball coming nicely onto the bat on what is a true surface. If they do get over the line, it will mark their first win against a European nation in the T20 World Cups. Scotland, meanwhile, have their task cut out to make a contest of this. If they can strike early and apply some pressure, who knows what might unfold? Back in a bit for the chase.

From promise to collapse - At 105/3 at the end of 12 overs, the Scots were beginning to believe in a strong finish. However, both set batters fell in the span of 4 balls, and the innings quickly unravelled. In a flash, they slumped to 127/8, and it was only thanks to a spirited effort from Oliver Davidson that they were able to scrape past the 150 mark. All five bowling options used were among the wickets, but Jofra Archer bouncing back after a rough first two games will be especially pleasing for England.

Recovery after early damage - After being asked to bat first, Scotland lost their top three in the Powerplay, with Jofra Archer striking twice to put England on top early. Michael Jones attempted to close the Powerplay on a positive note, but Sam Curran cut his stay short. On a good batting surface, and with England boasting quality in their batting, Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce knew they couldn't afford to simply hang around. The pair responded with a fine counterpunch, taking on the spin threat posed by Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid.

England hold firm - Harry Brook and his men walk off as the happier of the two sides. They made a strong start and, although they were challenged during the middle phase, they responded impressively. At the start of the day, they would certainly have accepted this target. As for Scotland, they will reflect on this innings with disappointment, particularly regarding their shot selection. Given the bounce on offer, it was easier to hit through the line rather than across it. Even after seeing several top-order batters fall attempting cross-batted strokes, there was little adjustment from those who followed.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, OUT! BRAD CURRIE IS RUN OUT! Misses the yorker by a yard or so, does Curran. On middle and leg. Oliver Davidson carves it in front of mid off and gets off for a single, but his partner, Brad Currie is caught ball-watching and doesn't respond quickly. Seeing that, Oliver stops midway before they eventually decide to cross. Harry Brook at mid off picks the end where the batter is struggling and gets rid of the ball to the batting end. Buttler collects the ball on the bounce, gets the ball at a perfect height and whips the bails off with Currie out by a fair margin. SCOTLAND ARE BOWLED OUT ON 152!

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, There's the deceptive off cutter from Sam, full and outside off, Oliver Davidson swings across the line to smash it into the stands, but fails to connect.

Sam Curran to Brad Currie, Slower again, full and on leg, Currie gets across and flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, The back-of-the-hand slower ball, full and on off, Oliver Davidson mistimes the heave. The ball goes off the bottom end and rolls through mid on. They cross for a single and look for the second, but the long on fielder is quick to rush forward and prevent that.

Sam Curran (3-0-31-1) to close out the innings.

Jamie Overton to Brad Currie, Full and stump-to-stump line, Currie brings his bat in front and blocks it to mid off. Just 2 runs and a wicket from the penultimate over.

Jamie Overton to Oliver Davidson, Much fuller, on middle, Oliver carves it through mid on for a single. 150 comes up for Scotland!

Jamie Overton to Brad Currie, Just short! Overton bends his back and bowls a shorter one, on top of middle. Brad Currie gets into an awkward tangle due to the extra bounce. He tries to nudge it around the corner, but chips it off the sticker of the blade. The ball, luckily for him, falls safely in front of Phil Salt, who charges forward from mid-wicket. They cross.

Jamie Overton to Brad Currie, Back of a length with extra bounce, around off. Brad rises with the bounce and fends it to backward point.

Jamie Overton to Brad Currie, Touch full, at 140.1 kph, on off, Currie stabs it to short cover.

Brad Currie is the last man in. His job will be to put Oliver Davidson back on strike.

Jamie Overton to Brad Wheal, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Scotland lose their ninth wicket. Jamie rolls his fingers on the ball and bowls it on a good length, around the off pole. It lands and kicks up a bit from the pitch. Brad Wheal stands tall to club it over long on, but the ball certainly gets big on him and he ends up mistiming it straight toward Will Jacks runs in off the ropes at long on who takes a simple catch.

Jamie Overton (3-0-21-0) to bowl the 19th over.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, FOUR! Adventurous and productive! Sam goes pace on, slightly fuller on off, Oliver Davidson switches the stance and reverse scoops it over short third for a boundary. Davidson is playing a crucial cameo for his team.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, Good execution again! A yorker on middle this time around, Oliver can only carve it out back to the bowler.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, At 127.6, Sam nails the yorker, outside off, Oliver Davidson fails to squeeze it out as the ball whistles past his inside edge.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, FOUR! Runs are runs, no matter how they come. Slower bouncer, at shoulder height, Oliver Davidson gets inside the line, looking to pull, but gets a thick edge and the ball races between the keeper and the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Sam Curran to Brad Wheal, Full and around off, Brad Wheal presses forward and drives it to deep point for a single.

Sam Curran to Oliver Davidson, Nearly a yorker, on middle, Oliver tries to push it away and gets a thick inside edge to deep backward square leg for a single.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, Spears in on a fuller length, on middle, Oliver Davidson stays put and tries to whip across the line, but gets a faint inside edge onto the pads. The ball then gets deflected to the short third fielder and they cross. Archer goes up in a muted appeal for LBW, but the umpire walks away.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, WIDE! Too straight, down leg, on a good length. Davidson misses out on the pull shot.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, SIX! INTO THE STANDS! Much-needed for Scotland. Slower full ball from Jofra, it is that back-of-the-hand pace off on a fuller length, Oliver Davidson waits on it, gets his front leg out of the way and launches it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.

Jofra Archer to Brad Wheal, A full toss that tails in on middle, Brad Wheal slices it through cover-point for a single.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, Not that short, outside off, Oliver stands tall and heaves it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, Nails in another yorker, at the toes, Oliver Davidson drops his bat down and shovels it out.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, WIDE! An over-the-head bouncer by Archer now, Oliver shapes to pull, but misses. Wide called for height.

Jofra Archer to Oliver Davidson, On the money! Laser-straight yorker, on middle, from around the stump. Oliver Davidson just about manages to jam the bat down in time and squeeze it out.

The slide continues. Brad Wheal comes out to bat. Jofra Archer returns to the attack. 3-0-13-2 so for Archer.

Adil Rashid to Mark Watt, OUT! OUTFOXED! Adil Rashid at his absolute best. Gives it a nice loop through the air, and it is the conventional leg break. Pitched around off and grips in off the deck. Mark Watt gets on the front foot to drive it towards long off but the ball spins back in, beats the inside edge and crashes into the stumps behind. Adil is cock-a-hoop and rightly so.

Adil Rashid to Oliver Davidson, A flighted googly, on off, Oliver Davidson works it to deep cover for a single.

The new batter is...Oliver Davidson.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one caught in the deep. Wicket number 2 for Adil. Slides it on the middle and leg stump line, full in length. Matthew Cross gets across and sits down on his knee to sweep, but gets a thick top edge and the ball spoons towards deep square leg, where Tom Banton runs forward a bit and takes a simple catch.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, JAFFA! Quicker through the air, short and outside off, Matthew Cross is rushed to cut it away, but misses.

Adil Rashid to Mark Watt, A dipping full toss, on off, Watt reverse sweeps it to deep point for a single.

Adil Rashid to Mark Watt, Looped up, full and outside off, Mark Watt stretches forward to drive it away, but gets a thick outside edge on the bounce to backward point. The fielder slides to his right and stops.

Liam Dawson to Matthew Cross, Keeps the stumps in play, on a length, Cross pushes it to cover. Dawson is done with his spell. Ends with figures of 4-0-34-2.

Liam Dawson to Mark Watt, On a length, on middle and leg. Watt pats it to long on and gets off the mark with a single.

It is spiralling downward for Scotland now. Mark Watt makes his way out to the crease at number 8.

Liam Dawson to Michael Leask, OUT! CAUGHT! Scotland are losing their way here. From being 113/3, the Scotts are now 124/6. Dawson spears it in, on a length, on middle and leg. Leask plays a half-hearted sweep, more trying to paddle it behind square. He fails to get on top of the bounce and the ball catches the top edge. It is skied to deep backward square leg, where Sam Curran takes a few steps in and makes no mistake.

Liam Dawson to Michael Leask, Shorter and on leg, Leask clips it to short fine leg off the back foot.

Liam Dawson to Michael Leask, Sliding on with the arm, full and on middle. Michael Leask blocks it out.

Liam Dawson to Matthew Cross, Nearly went to hand! Dawson bowls it full, on off, Cross checks his drive and it goes a bit uppishly but past the dive of Liam to his left. They cross.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, Full and on leg, swept behind square for a single.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, FOUR! Good shot! Tossed up, full and outside off. Cross takes the risk of playing against the turn but he reaches the pitch of the ball and rolls his wrists over the ball to control the sweep. Hits it hard and wide of deep square leg for a four.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, Flighted delivery, full and on off, Matthew pushes it to cover.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, Wide! Sliding down leg, Cross lets it be.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, Beautifully bowled! Drifting in and gets the ball to drop in front of the batter, full and on middle. Cross presents a straight bat to block. Gets it off the outer half to point.

Adil Rashid to Matthew Cross, Looped up, full and wide on off. Cross extends his hands and crunches the drive to the right of the man at deep cover for a couple of runs.

DRINKS BREAK. This has been a good little comeback for England as they have got two wickets in successive overs. From 113/3, Scotland have slipped down to 115/5. More importantly, both the set batters in Berrington and Bruce are gone in just four balls. With two new batters at the crease, England will aim to choke the run rate from here. A massive rebuilding phase begins for the Scots again if they are to post anything in excess of 170.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, OUT! LBW! Adil strikes right after his return to the attack. Very full by Rashid, in front of the middle and leg stump. Richie Berrington sits down on his knee to sweep it away, but the googly turns in sharply and skids below his bat and crashes on the front pad. Given LBW on the appeal, and a not-so-confident Richie Berrington takes the review after having a chat with his partner. UltraEdge presents a flat line as the ball is close to the bat. Ball Tracking confirms that it is projected to clip the leg stump. It is umpire's call. So, not as straight as it looked to the naked eye, but the on-field decision is upheld.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Full and attacking the front pad, Richie Berrington pushes it to long on for a single.

Liam Dawson to Michael Leask, Floated up, on off, Leask flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

The partnership for the fourth wicket between Berrington and Bruce had started to frustrate the Englishmen, and the breakthrough has come at the right time for them. That wicket brings Michael Leask to the crease at number 6.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, OUT! CAUGHT! Liam Dawson breaks through for England. Tom Bruce could not have picked out the fielder any better. Fuller and on middle and leg. Bruce walks inside the line and swings to go big on the leg side. Hits it straight down the throat ot Sam Curran at deep backward square leg. Curran takes a reverse cup catch around his right shoulder. The 41-ball 71-run stand is broken. Scotland are now 4 down for 113.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Shorter and quicker, tucking the batter up for room. Richie mows it to deep mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, SIX! Into the crowd! A bit of air given, fuller and on middle, Berrington backs away and lets his hands swing into the lofted hit. Pumps it over long off for a biggie. 100th six in T20 cricket for Richie, as informed by Nasser Hussain on air.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, Darted in from around the wicket, on a length, Bruce makes room and slaps it to extra cover. A needless, powerful throw at the bowling end, but it is backed up by Jofra Archer. Just a single.

Change of ends for Liam Dawson. Has conceded 22 runs in 2 overs so far. He replaces Sam Curran.

Jamie Overton to Tom Bruce, Keeps it full, outside off. Bruce walks across the stumps to access the area behind square. Ends up hitting it a lot squarer and has to be content with a single.

Jamie Overton to Richie Berrington, Pushes the length up, does Overton, on off. Berrington crouches and swats it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Jamie Overton to Tom Bruce, On a hard length at pace, outside off. Tom dances down the track and flays it to deep backward point for one.

Jamie Overton to Tom Bruce, FOUR! Nicely done! Overton rolls his fingers over the ball and goes full, outside off. Bruce backs away a touch and slices it up and over backward point. With this boundary, the 100 comes up for Scotland!

Jamie Overton to Tom Bruce, Similar line and length, around the off pole. Tom brings his bat out in front and defends.

Jamie Overton to Richie Berrington, Targets the top of off, on a good length. Richie taps the ball on its head and takes a single as the ball goes towards short third.

Pace in tandem. Here's Jamie Overton back on. 2-0-13-0 so far are his bowling figures. He replaces Liam Dawson.

Sam Curran to Richie Berrington, Stays full but this is at pace, on middle and leg. Richie crouches and swipes it to deep backward square leg. Just a single.

Sam Curran to Tom Bruce, Out comes the slower one at 84.3 kph, on a length, on middle. Tom waits on it and knocks it to the right of extra cover for a single.

Sam Curran to Richie Berrington, Pace on now, on the fuller side, Berrington backs away to open up the off side with cover and mid off inside the circle. He ends up hitting it on the bounce to mid off and sneaks in a quick single.

Sam Curran to Richie Berrington, Wide! Into the surface, over off. Berrington swivels on the back foot but it is the slower ball and it balloons over his head as he drops his wrists. Wide given for height.

Sam Curran to Tom Bruce, Delivers it on a back of a length, around leg. Bruce backs away and has a swing across the line. Gets an inside edge to deep fine leg. They cross.

Sam Curran to Richie Berrington, Off-pace delivery, on a length, on middle. Berrington shimmies down the track and slams it to long on. Will Jacks picks it up on the bounce. The 50-run stand comes up in 28 balls!

Sam Curran to Tom Bruce, On a good length, across off, Bruce punches it in front of mid off for a single.

A really good counterpunch from this Scottish pair. 31 runs off the last 2 overs. Harry Brook brings back Sam Curran. 1-0-14-1 so far. He replaces Adil Rashid.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, FOUR! Helped away! Liam slides one onto the pads, on a fuller length, Richie Berrington gets low on his knee and sweeps it behind square on the leg side, beating short fine leg to his left for a boundary. The Scottish skipper moves to 36 off 23. At halfway, Scotland are 90/3.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, FOUR! THWACK! Flat and outside off, full in length, Richie Berrington clears his front leg, crouches and smashes it with a flat bat for a boundary. Long on stands no chance of cutting that one off.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, WIDE! At 85.3 kph, Dawson pushes it wide on off, full in length, Richie leaves as the ball breaches the tramline. Wide called.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, Darts in a low full toss, on middle, Bruce drills it through mid-wicket for a run.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Pitched full, outside off, Richie Berrington sweeps it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Keeps it outside off, Richie backs away and slices it over cover. Phil Salt fumbles a bit in the deep and they cross for the second.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Full and on middle, squeezed straight to short cover.

Adil Rashid to Tom Bruce, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Loopy ball, a bit too full, on middle. Bruce clears the front leg and swings through the line. Launches it back over the bowler's head and deposits it over the sight screen for a six. 18 runs off Rashid's 2nd over!

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, Fuller delivery outside off at 79.5 kph. Berrington stretches out to push it, gets an inside edge, and the ball trickles towards backward square leg for a single.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, Way too full, on off, Richie carves it out to cover.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, SIX! LAUNCHED HIGH AND HANDSOME! Up in the slot, full and around off, Richie Berrington gets underneath it nicely and pumps it downtown for a big six.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, FOUR! PUNISHED! Berrington shuffles to the leg side and Adil follows him. Drops a length ball and Richie thrashes that to deep square leg for a boundary.

Adil Rashid to Tom Bruce, Not that full, on off, Tom Bruce powers it down to long off for a single.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, A bit quicker, on the stumps, pushed back at the bowler.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, FOUR! SHOT! A touch short, around off, Richie Berrington goes deep in the crease and hammers it to deep extra cover for a boundary.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, Keeps it on middle, on a length, Tom exposes the stumps and cuts it to deep point for one more.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, Excellent effort in the deep! Stump-to-stump bowling, on a length. Tom Bruce manufactures room and tonks it over the bowler. Two fielders converge - Sam Curran from long off and Jamie Overton from long on. Sam puts in a dive to his right and stops it one-handed, and immediately flicks the ball toward Jamie, who charges in. Overton collects it over his head and throws it to the bowler. Two taken. The replay shows it is a clean stop by Sam.

Liam Dawson to Richie Berrington, Short, on off, Richie Berrington makes room and slashes it to deep point for a single.

Liam Dawson to Tom Bruce, In-dipping short ball, on leg, Tom Bruce whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

With two right-handers at the crease, Harry Brook brings on the slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Liam Dawson.

Adil Rashid to Tom Bruce, Flighted ball, short on leg, Tom Bruce rocks back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single. 50 up for Scotland!

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, Hangs it up there, short and on middle, spinning away. Richie Berrington backs away and slaps it past extra cover for a run.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, FOUR! Through the gap! A slider outside leg, Richie Berrington sits down on a knee and sweeps it using his wrists to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, A slight appeal for LBW, but not given. Another googly, full and on leg, sliding down. Richie Berrington plays all over it off the back foot and gets rapped on the pads.

Adil Rashid to Tom Bruce, Dishes out a googly, on a length, outside off, Tom goes back and cuts it to deep backward point for a single.

Adil Rashid to Richie Berrington, Fractionally full, on leg, Richie Berrington gets on the back foot and steers it to deep square leg for a run.

Done with the Powerplay. First look at spin as leggie Adil Rashid comes on.

Sam Curran to Tom Bruce, Another slower ball, full and on leg, Tom Bruce gets forward and across and dinks it to short mid-wicket. Scotland end their Powerplay with 42/3 on the board.

DRINKS BREAK! Three wickets in the Powerplay for England and they will be pleased with the progress they have made so far. On a surface offering good pace and bounce, Scotland have been tested by the short-ball, particularly from Jofra Archer. With the batters getting good value for their shots, it was crucial for Scotland to get off to a solid start and build a platform through the middle overs. However, three wickets down, they now have the task of rebuilding and steadying the innings. Tom Bruce joins the skipper, Richie Berrington, out in the middle.

Sam Curran to Michael Jones, OUT! CAUGHT! Curran wins the battle against Jones in the end. A slower length ball, with the line of attack on the stumps, Michael Jones tries to pull it off the back foot, but gets the connection nowhere near the middle of the ball. Only manages a thick top edge that sails towards Jacob Bethell stationed at deep square leg. A catching practice for Bethell in the outfield and Scotland lose their top three inside the Powerplay. End of an intent-laden inning from Michael Jones.

Sam Curran to Michael Jones, On a back of a length, on middle and leg, Michael Jones stands tall and stabs it back to the bowler.

Sam Curran to Michael Jones, SIX! Streaky, but it adds half a dozen runs. A cutter on a shortish length, over middle. Michael Jones lines up to pull it over square leg, but gets a thick top edge and it flies over the keeper and goes all the way over the ropes behind.

Sam Curran to Michael Jones, FOUR! Neatly played! Overpitches, around off, Michael Jones lets it arrive, opens the bat face at the last second and bisects that 12-meter gap between backward point and short third. And at Eden Gardens, once the ball goes through the gap, it only stops after hugging the boundary.

Sam Curran to Michael Jones, FOUR! Greeted with a seriously good shot! Sam goes short first up, outside off and takes pace off a bit. Michael Jones advances and spanks it up and over extra cover for a cracking four.

Change? Yup. Sam Curran replaces Jamie Overton.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, Serious wheels! Berrington makes the move to the leg side early, and Archer responds with a quick bumper. Richie does well to drop his wrists before falling over as the ball flies over his right shoulder.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, Back to slamming the surface, this is at 146.3 kph, on off. Berrington keeps it out on the off side.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, Berrington shows his cards early as he backs away. Jofra goes into the wicket, on middle. Richie picks the slower ball and he waits on it. Arches back before gliding it over backward point for a couple of runs. The deep third fielder tidies up.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, And again! .3 kph quicker than the previous ball, in and around the off stump. Richie Berrington covers the line and pushes it back to the bowler.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, Hits the bat hard, does Archer. On top of off, on a good length at 141.5 kph, Berrington pats it to cover.

Jofra Archer to Michael Jones, Archer takes pace off, on a good length, on middle. Jones waits on it and nurdles it through backward square leg for a run.

Archer has looked in good rhythm. Will he get the third over on the trot? Surely will. 2-0-10-2 so far.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, High full toss but below the waist, on middle, Jones wrists it between mid-wicket and mid on and picks up a single.

Jamie Overton to Richie Berrington, On a back of a length, around off, Richie Berrington runs it down to deep third and gets off the mark with a single.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Tight single! On a short of a length, on off, Jones punches it on the up in front of mid off. The fielder swoops in and releases an underarm throw but misses. Michael was in any way.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Overton slams the surface and gets good lift off the deck, outside off. Jones thinks about playing before bailing out.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, FOUR! Easy pickings! Overton attempts the slower one but dishes it out at a half-volley, on the pads. Jones needs no second invitation as he flicks it behind square for a boundary.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Strangled down leg? England think so but the umpire's finger has stayed down. There was a noise and England have sent it upstairs. Angled in at the hips, on a back of a length. Jones walks inside the line for the tickle. It goes behind to Jos Buttler, who takes the catch after moving to his left. The UltraEdge shows a flat line when the ball passes the bat and it actually brushed the side of the thigh on the way to the keeper. England burn a review.

Jofra Archer to Richie Berrington, A sharp and quick bumper, over off, Richie Berrington drops his wrists and saways away from the line of the ball. 2 big wickets and 5 runs off the over.

A double strike for Archer has provided England with a flying start with the ball. There is a good bounce and pace on this pitch and both wickets have fallen on the ball slammed on a hard length. Scotland under pressure and the skipper, Richie Berrington, walks in at number 4.

Jofra Archer to Brandon McMullen, OUT! TAKEN! 2 wickets in 3 balls for England's ace speedster. Jofra digs it in short, around the right shoulder. McMullen presses on the back foot and lifts his front leg for the pull. He is hurried and the ball gets big on him. A top edge is found and it goes straight down the throat of Phil Salt at deep square leg, who takes a simple catch. 50th T20I wicket for Archer.

Jofra Archer to Brandon McMullen, Around off, on a hard length, Brandon McMullen dabs it down on the off side.

Out goes George and in walks Brandon McMullen at number 3.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, OUT! CAUGHT! A big wicket for England. This will help Jofra Archer in terms of his confidence, who has not had a great start to the tournament. Archer bends his back and digs it in short, on off. Munsey half-swivels in the crease for the pull but swings a touch early. The ball is skied right off the toe end of the blade towards the short mid-wicket region. Tom Banton runs to his right from the edge of the ring and calls the incoming mid on fielder out of the way. Banton settles under it and makes no mistake.

Jofra Archer to Michael Jones, Fuller and on middle, Jones moves away from the stumps towards the leg side and pushes it in front of mid on before running to the other end quickly.

Jofra Archer to Michael Jones, FOUR! Gets it away! Archer bangs it in short but fails to get it high enough to trouble the batter. The line is slightly too straight. Jones swings away on the pull and it races through backward square leg for a boundary.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Leg bye! A bit of nip back into the right-hander, on a good length, on middle. Jones plays all around it and gets hit high on the back thigh. The batters sneak in a leg bye as the ball rolls behind point.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Keeps it full, on middle. Jones has a heave across the line once again. Shanks it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, FOUR! Agricultural but effective! Fuller than the previous ball, on middle. Jones stays rooted to the crease and has a hack across the line. Gets it through square leg for his first four.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Well bowled! Overton spots the batter backing away and he follows him with a back-of-a-length delivery at 143 kph. Jones is denied any sort of room and he can only fend it down the pitch.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Delivers it on a nagging length, on off and middle. Michael defends it from the crease.

Jamie Overton to Michael Jones, Angled in at the pads, on a length. Jones brings his wrists into play and clips it off the legs between mid-wicket and mid on. Sam Curran goes after it and mops it up. Two runs taken.

A decent first over for both teams. Jamie Overton to operate from the opposite end.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, Pushed across the left-hander, on a good length. George Munsey gets his hands through the ball and hits it on the up but it goes straight to mid off.

Jofra Archer to Michael Jones, Good running! Full and honing in on the off stump. Jones knocks it in front of mid on and scampers through for a quick single to open his account.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, Leg bye! Extra pace and bounce from Jofra. Around the hips, on a back of a length. George Munsey fails to get the pull away and ends up fending it behind square on the leg side. The batters cross. Given as a leg bye. It initially looked like it lobbed behind off the glove.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, Archer corrects his length and hits the top of off. George Munsey covers the line and stabs it down on the off side.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, FOUR! Munsey and Scotland are away! Archer errs in line and length. Too full, too straight, on the pads. George gets his head over the ball and flicks it through the vacant mid-wicket region for the first boundary of the contest.

Jofra Archer to George Munsey, Archer hits the deck hard, over off. Munsey rises and rides the bounce to fend it back on the strip.

Right. The anthems are sung/chanted with pride, and it is time to get to the real business in Eden Gardens. As per the traditions here, former England captain Eoin Morgan is given the honor to ring the bell to mark the commencement of the match. The two umpires make their way out. The English players spread out on the field and take their positions. George Munsey and Michael Jones are the two Scottish openers. Jofra Archer will open the attack. Munsey to face. A slip in place. Off we go!

The flags of both nations get unfurled in the middle. Both teams now walk through the fireworks and get lined up for their respective national anthems. It will be Scotland's first, followed by England's.

PITCH REPORT - Nasser Hussain straightaway points out a record about Kolkata that this is the 15th T20I being hosted at Eden Gardens, which is the most for any venue in India. About the weather, he calls it a perfect one for cricket. Highlights the dimensions by mentioning that it is 62 meters and 66 meters square of the wicket, whereas the straight hit is 74 meters. Eoin Morgan joins and highlights the degree of turn at this venue has reduced significantly over the last few years. Adds that because of the consistency of grass throughout the strip, it has allowed good pace and bounce for the seamers. But also underlines that this being a day game, he expects the ball to hold on ever so slightly, giving the spinners something out of it. Nasser closes out by saying it is a good pitch, with a quick outfield, and has a lot of runs written over it.

The captain of Scotland - Richie Berrington mentions that they were anyway looking to bat first, but he believes that the toss will not make much difference. Tells that this surface looks similar to the earlier pitches and in general, he feels Kolkata has had good batting tracks. Reckons that the key to success with the bat is how you play spin in the middle phase. Admits that they are up against a very good team in England, who know how to adapt to different surfaces. Feels that it has been a good thing to be based here in Kolkata and that they have gotten used to the conditions. Hopes that they can apply the learnings from the past two games to this match. Informs that they are unchanged for this game.

The skipper of England - Harry Brook says they fancy chasing. Mentions that he is not a curator but notes it looks like a great wicket. Hopes that they will restrict Scotland to a total as low as possible. On being asked about why England announces their XI early, Brook says they just want to give the team a bit more clarity and come prepared for the game, knowing the team a day before. Informs that they are going unchanged. Admits that they were a bit too conservative in the chase against West Indies, and says that they could have been more aggressive. About the chats of himself batting higher up the order, Harry replies that they have spoken a lot about it, and also calls Tom Banton a very good player of spin. Says he will go out and do whatever he can for the team and hopes they have a good day. On Scotland, he calls them a good side and highlights that they have played against them before and certainly won't take them lightly.

Scotland (Unchanged Playing XI) - George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (C), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (WK), Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal and Brad Currie.

England (Unchanged Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.

TOSS - All in readiness for the coin to go up. The flip of the coin lands in favour of Harry Brook. England opt to BOWL first.

What's happening in Colombo? Ireland are on course to open their account after losing their first two games, and they are doing so in style against Oman. Stand-in skipper Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a superb 94*, while Gareth Delany and George Dockrell chipped in to power Ireland to 235. Not many would have predicted that total when they were reduced to 64/4, but the recovery was emphatic. Oman made a decent start in the powerplay, but the chase has unravelled since. They are now staring at a heavy defeat as Ireland close in on a resounding win.

Two cities, one rivalry - Incidentally, later today in Edinburgh, the two nations meet again for that very Cup in the Six Nations Championship. Back to cricket, this Group C clash at the Eden Gardens carries significant weight. The winner takes a decisive step towards the Super 8 stage, while the loser is left with very little margin for error. It may be the day of love, but one thing is certain, there will be no love lost between these neighbours. Stay with us for the toss and team news.

Echoes of history - England. Scotland. Kolkata. Does that ring a bell? It may not for cricket followers, but rugby fans will instantly recognise the connection. The story dates back to the 1870s in India, when a rugby match between sides representing England and Scotland was played in the city then known as Calcutta. That fixture laid the foundation for what became the Calcutta Cup, which is one of the oldest trophies in international sport.

... MATCH DAY ...

European showdown - Match number 23 of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup pits England against Scotland at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. After two games each in Group C, England, Italy and Scotland are tied on two points. Nepal are winless, while the West Indies have a perfect record with two wins from two. No side can be taken lightly in this World Cup, and the race for the Super 8 is tightening with every match. England under the scanner - After playing their first two matches in Mumbai, England now shift to Kolkata for their remaining group fixtures. In their previous outing, they faltered in what turned into a trial by spin against the West Indies and will be eager to return to winning ways. Batting form - In the aftermath of that defeat, Harry Brook openly admitted that the batting unit, himself included, needed to show greater intent. It was a candid reflection from a side that prides itself on aggressive cricket. Despite strengthening their batting depth by bringing in Jamie Overton for Luke Wood, England did not quite click. At the top, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt have made starts but have not converted them into significant scores. Tom Banton has had a quiet couple of games, raising the question of whether England should persist with him or turn to Ben Duckett, who is waiting in the wings. Bowling woes - England's death bowling has been a concern. In both matches so far, they have conceded more than 50 runs in the final four overs. Liam Dawson has stood out as their most economical option. However, Jofra Archer has been expensive, going at 11.25 runs per over, while Sam Curran and Adil Rashid have had mixed returns. Scotland quietly confident - Scotland have been based in Kolkata since the start of the tournament and have not had to travel, which could prove to be an advantage in a tightly contested group. Moreover, having already played a couple of matches at Eden Gardens, they should have a better understanding of the conditions compared to England. After an opening day defeat to the West Indies, they responded strongly by defeating tournament debutants Italy. That would have helped them settle after what must have been a chaotic build-up following their late call-up to the World Cup. Munsey factor - One of the biggest positives from that game was George Munsey finding crucial runs. When he performs, Scotland do well. Alongside skipper Richie Berrington, he remains central to Scotland's batting hopes against their European rivals. Spin to win - While the likes of Brad Wheal and Safyaan Sharif have been expensive, Brad Currie has stood out in the pace department with his control. Much of Scotland's impact, though, has come through spin. Michael Leask has impressed with his crafty off spin, while the experienced Mark Watt bounced back strongly after a tough opening game. Both could play decisive roles against England. England fans, look away - Believe it or not, England have never beaten a fellow European side in a Men's T20 World Cup game. Across five matches combined against Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland, they have suffered three defeats, while the other two ended in no results. Harry Brook and his side are set to face back-to-back European oppositions to round off the group stage. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - England - LWWWW | Scotland - WLLLW. Conditions check - This will be the second afternoon game in Kolkata at this World Cup. The other featured Scotland against the West Indies on the opening day. With Kolkata situated in the eastern part of India, the sun sets relatively early, and the lights tend to come on sooner than at many other venues. In that Scotland vs West Indies clash, batting appeared to get slightly easier under the lights. That dynamic could heavily influence the captains at the toss, especially when weighing up whether to bat first or take advantage of potentially improved chasing conditions later on. Will England finally manage a breakthrough win against a fellow European side, or will Scotland upstage their continental rivals? We shall find out together.