A couple of records were created in this afternoon clash of the T20 World Cup 2026 as the game marked the 15th T20I to be played at the iconic Eden Gardens, the most at any venue in India, while England also registered their first-ever win against a European side in the Men’s T20 World Cup.
England will next take on Italy on Monday at the same venue in their last group-stage meeting, while Scotland travel to Mumbai to face Nepal on Tuesday. You can switch tabs now as the third and final match of the day is set to get underway shortly in Ahmedabad, where South Africa lock horns with New Zealand.
For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Darpan Tikiya who, along with scorer/analyst Bishal Mandal & statistician Aman brought all the updates of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYE👋
England vs European Teams in T20 WCs Record:
Lost by 4 wickets vs Netherlands, Lord’s, 2009
No result vs Ireland, Providence, 2010
Lost by 45 runs vs Netherlands, Chattogram, 2014
Lost by 5 runs vs Ireland, Melbourne, 2022
No result vs Scotland, Bridgetown, 2024
Won by 5 wickets vs Scotland, Kolkata, 2026, Today*
Harry Brook (England Captain): "(On how badly England needed those 2 points) Yeah, I'm just glad that we got over the line tonight.
(Reactions at the halfway mark?) Yeah, absolutely. We were over the moon with that. They batted really well against our spinners again in that first couple of spells and were ahead of us at one point but we managed to drag things back really well.
(On Jofra Archer) Yeah, he was slamming the length beautifully today. He got his lines and lengths perfect and bowled with gas again and with good skills. So it's nice to see him back on the park and doing really well.
(On Tom Banton) Yeah, he was awesome and that's why he slid in nicely at that number 4 role and looked to take down spinners like he did today and it came off and he deserves all of that and he's played really nicely.
(After losing 2 wickets very early in the innings) Yeah, I've always got confidence in our middle order. We knew it was going to be a decent wicket, it wasn't really going to change. And then with this outfield as well, we knew that we didn't really need to take too many unnecessary risks and just hit in the gaps and then when you get the ball to hit for six, try to hit for six. Bants (Banton) played it beautifully today and Sam's (Curran) little cameo as well was awesome.
(On facing Italy next) Yeah, we haven't quite had that perfect game yet. They've all been a little bit niggly so far and hopefully we can have an easier game against Italy and play our best cricket that everybody knows and loves. Hopefully we can put some smiles on some faces back home and get through the stages.
(Coming into the tournament in good run of form) Yeah, I'm not quite sure to be honest. We just haven't quite hit our strengths so far. Hopefully that comes and we don't want to hit it too early, but obviously we want to get through the group stages and then hopefully against Italy that can be the start of the rise."
Richie Berrington (Scotland Captain): "(On the surface) Yeah, I thought that it was a really good wicket to bat on. I felt that we didn't get too many partnerships in our innings. Myself and Brucy were batting well but probably needed just one of us to bat deep. We were 20-30 runs short today.
(On the strategy to bat in the middle overs) I think we knew that spin was going to be key in that middle phase today. England have got some world class spinners in their side. Our execution was slightly off today. We still felt that we have batters who can play better in those situations. Unfortunately we didn't quite click enough today.
(On too many dismissals behind square) Yeah, I think we will reflect on that. We now move on to Mumbai which are different conditions. I think having that partnership in the middle was really crucial for us but it wasn't quite long enough.
(On picking up two early wickets) I think we had that belief to execute our best skills and defend the score. We showed that but it definitely hurts. We know that if we can execute our best skills, we can put anyone under pressure.
(On Mark Watt) Well, that can happen to anyone. Some day's are not yours. I thought he came back well later on. It's just one of those things which didn't come off well today for us.
(On Brad Wheal) Yeah, he looked in really good rhythm today. I thought that the whole bowling attack tonight was brilliant. Our fielding today was brilliant too. We were just a few runs short.
(On playing 3 matches at the Eden Gardens) Yeah, we absolutely loved our time here. The hospitality has been fantastic over here. It was been our Indian home over here to be honest. It was a great atmosphere to finish things off. We move on to Mumbai now which are different conditions."
Tom Banton (Player of the Match): "(Importance of the result?) Definitely (important). A tough game against West Indies, full credit to them. But our full focus was on tonight. And now, onto Italy in a couple of days' time.
(On his own form) T20 cricket is a high risk game. You have to keep backing yourself. At times it goes against you. It is hard. You have to keep coming back, keep trying hard. Luckily, today was my day.
(The pitch?) When I watch cricket in India on TV, it seems to be absolute carnage. I though it will be similar. But the pitch in Mumbai had a bit of spin, a bit of hold. But tonight, this was a very good wicket. I would say it (the bounce) was on the low side. So, my plan was to play as straight as possible. Generally I like to sweep and reverse sweep. I think, when any match up comes around, you want to take it down. The situation dictates how you play. Quick outfield, good wicket, 150 to chase. I thought I would give myself some time. (On the way forward) I just want to win games for England. If I am contributing, that's amazing If not, that is sometimes how it is."
Player of the Match: Tom Banton.
6:17 PM IST & Local Time: That’s it! England are back to winning ways. Although Scotland were impressive in patches, it is England who secure their first win against a European side in the Men's T20 World Cup with a comprehensive 5-wicket victory.
Earlier in the day, England won the toss and opted to chase at the iconic Eden Gardens. Jofra Archer struck early inside the powerplay by dismissing George Munsey and Brandon McMullen in his second over, while the pair of Michael Jones and Richie Berrington looked solid during the fielding restrictions before Jones was removed for 33 by Sam Curran in the sixth over.
Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce stitched together a crucial partnership in the middle, adding 71 runs off just 41 balls for the fourth wicket before Bruce perished against the run of play for 24 off 18 balls. Berrington narrowly missed out on his half-century as he departed for 49 off 32 balls. A valuable cameo down the order from Oliver Davidson helped Scotland go past the 150-run mark, but they eventually lost their way in the death overs and were bundled out for 152 in 19.4 overs after losing wickets in clusters. Adil Rashid (3/36) was the pick of the bowlers for England.
In reply, England got off to a shaky start as Phil Salt was dismissed in the very first over for 2. Jos Buttler followed soon after for 3 in the second over. Scotland’s new-ball bowlers - Brad Currie and Brandon McMullen were simply outstanding inside the powerplay.
Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton added 66 runs for the third wicket to shift the momentum back in England’s favour, but Scotland hit back strongly with two quick wickets as Bethell departed for 32 and Harry Brook followed soon after for 4. Banton then took full responsibility and anchored the chase brilliantly, bringing up a fine half-century off just 33 balls. Sam Curran provided solid support at the other end as the pair added 46 runs off 33 balls for the fifth wicket to more or less take the game away from Scotland.
Sam Curran eventually threw his wicket away for 28 off 20 balls in the 17th over. Banton batted right till the end and remained unbeaten on 63 off 41 balls, with Will Jacks (16*) striking the winning runs as England sealed a five-wicket win with 10 balls to spare. Stay tuned for the Post-Match Presentation!