Brief scores: England (155/5 in 18.2 ov) beat Scotland (152-all out in 19.4 ov) by 5 wickets in Kolkata in a Group C match.

England fought past Scotland on Saturday to stay alive in the race for a berth in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup. Harry Brook’s men defeated the Scots by five wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. England haven’t been at their very best and are yet to show the ruthlessness they are known for.

The win against Scotland wasn’t straightforward, as at several stages it seemed Scotland could get the better of England, but the Three Lions had the last laugh in the end.

England will be pleased to have recovered from their defeat to the West Indies the other night in Mumbai. After restricting Scotland to 152, they chased the target down with 10 balls to spare. With the win, England moved to second place in Group C. Scotland, meanwhile, will head into their final game against Nepal in a must-win situation.

RASHID, JOFRA RESTRICT ENGLAND

After being asked to bat first, Scotland ran into early trouble, slipping to 18 for two in the third over. Jofra Archer struck with pace and accuracy to remove George Munsey and Brandon McMullen. Michael Jones counterattacked, blasting 33 off 20 balls with five fours and a six before Sam Curran dismissed him. England controlled the powerplay, taking three wickets for 42 runs.

Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce rebuilt the innings with a 71-run stand for the fourth wicket. Berrington took the lead, scoring 49 off 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Bruce added 24 off 18 in support.

Just as Scotland looked to accelerate, Liam Dawson dismissed Bruce, and Adil Rashid removed Berrington. The twin strikes swung the momentum back in England’s favour, and Scotland were bowled out for 152 in 19.4 overs.

Rashid was England’s standout bowler with figures of 4 for 36 from four overs, while Archer and Dawson claimed two wickets each. Scotland also struggled at the death, managing only 27 runs in the final five overs.

BANTON GUIDES ENGLAND HOME

England didn’t get off to the best of starts in their run chase, losing Phil Salt to Brandon McMullen in the very first over. Jos Buttler reached the milestone of 4000 T20I runs, but his joy was short-lived as Brad Currie removed him, leaving England struggling at 13 for two in just two overs.

With the team in early trouble, Tom Banton and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings, helping England make 43 runs in the powerplay and build some momentum.

The duo then put on a crucial 69-run partnership for the third wicket in 45 balls to put England in a strong position. Bethell contributed 32 off 28 deliveries before Oliver Davidson accounted for his wicket in the 10th over, slightly slowing the scoring rate.

Soon after, Michael Leask dismissed Harry Brook as Scotland sensed a chance of staging a comeback in the match. However, Sam Curran joined Banton, and the pair ensured England didn’t suffer any significant setbacks during the chase.

Banton looked in exceptional form, bringing up his fifty off 33 balls before finishing unbeaten on 63 from 41 balls, with the help of four fours and three sixes.

Curran provided solid support with a 28-run knock, while Will Jacks used the long handle to good effect, scoring 16 runs, ensuring England romped home comfortably with 10 balls to spare and denied Scotland any chance of a late surge.

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