Early Jolts in the Chase
England’s pursuit of 153 began on a nervous note. Openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell within the first two overs to disciplined seam bowling from Brandon McMullen and Brad Currie. At 13 for 2, Scotland sensed a famous upset.
Banton walked in under pressure and initially struggled to find rhythm. But the Somerset batter gradually settled, combining with Jacob Bethell for a crucial 66-run partnership that repaired the innings.
Bethell’s 32 provided stability, while Banton began to dominate, striking four boundaries and three sixes in his 41-ball knock.
Banton Anchors the Finish
After early failures in previous matches, Banton delivered when it mattered most. He avoided risky sweep shots and instead relied on crisp straight hitting, particularly against Scotland’s spinners.
A vital 46-run stand with Sam Curran brought the target within reach. Though England lost a couple of wickets late, Banton remained calm at the crease.
Will Jacks eventually sealed the win with a towering six and a pull shot, ensuring England crossed the line with 10 balls to spare.
Scotland’s Fightback Falls Short
Earlier, Scotland posted 152 after being sent in to bat. Skipper Richie Berrington led the charge with a fluent 49 off 32 balls, sharing a 71-run partnership with Tom Bruce.
From a strong position at 113 for 3, Scotland looked set for a total near 180. However, a middle-order collapse derailed their momentum. Seven wickets fell for just 39 runs, undoing their progress.
Adil Rashid was pivotal with three wickets, while Jofra Archer rediscovered his rhythm. Archer’s 2 for 24 included key early strikes and marked a welcome return to form after an expensive start to the tournament.
Archer’s Resurgence
On a batting-friendly surface at Eden Gardens, Archer bowled with pace and purpose. His dismissal of George Munsey and McMullen during the powerplay halted Scotland’s early intent.
He maintained pressure through disciplined lines and sharp bounce, finishing his spell with impressive figures. The performance also marked his 50th T20I wicket, underlining his value to England’s attack.
Super Eight Race Heats Up
With this win, England moved to second place in Group C, keeping qualification hopes firmly in their hands. The narrow escape, however, highlighted vulnerabilities against associate nations.
Scotland, despite the defeat, earned praise for pushing a top-tier side deep into the contest. Missed opportunities with the bat ultimately cost them a potential historic victory.
For England, the focus now shifts to consistency. As the group stage nears its conclusion, performances like Banton’s could prove decisive in shaping their campaign.
Cricket’s Growing Global Reach
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup continues to showcase competitive matches between established teams and emerging nations.
