England stabilized its T20 World Cup campaign with a five-wicket victory over Scotland in Calcutta, although not before another uncomfortable night that leaves the Scots on the brink of elimination from the group stage.
Scotland were restricted to 152 on a good batting surface, but England’s chase quickly failed when Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell inside the first two overs.
More setbacks followed and when Harry Brook was caught for four, England were 86-4 and facing a potentially damaging defeat.
Instead, Tom Banton produced the defining innings of his international career, finishing unbeaten on 63 to guide the champions home with 10 balls remaining.
He changed the momentum by hitting spinner Mark Watt for successive sixes, while Jacob Bethell made 32 and Sam Curran added 28 in support.
Scotland had previously shown discipline with both the ball and the field but ultimately paid the price for not taking full advantage of captain Richie Berrington’s 49.
Their innings helped them reach 113-3 in the 13th over, a position from which a total closer to 180 seemed possible before the innings got away from them.
Adil Rashid recovered from a costly start to take 3-36, claiming three wickets in his second spell, while Jofra Archer impressed in the powerplay and finished with 2-23.
Liam Dawson contributed 2-34 as Scotland lost 5-14 in 3.3 overs, a collapse that left them without a competitive score.
The result means England will secure a place in the Super 8 if they beat Italy on Monday. Scotland will face Nepal in their final group match on Tuesday but could already be eliminated depending on other results.
