Rashids spin and Bantons blitz power England past Scotland

Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s controlled bowling and Tom Banton’s unbeaten half-century guided England to a comfortable five-wicket victory in a T20 World Cup Group C match. With this win on Saturday, England secured two crucial points by defeating Scotland.

After winning the toss, England opted to bowl first. Rashid applied pressure from the outset, as Scotland lost wickets at regular intervals against his spin. The leg-spinner claimed three wickets for 36 runs. Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson provided excellent support with two wickets each. For Scotland, captain Richie Berrington top-scored with 49 off 32 balls, while opener Michael Jones added 33. Scotland were eventually bowled out for 152.

Chasing a target of 153, England did not get off to a good start, losing Phil Salt and captain Jos Buttler within the first two overs. However, Jacob Bethell and Banton stitched together a crucial 66-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the innings. Bethell scored 32 off 28 balls before departing, while Banton remained unbeaten.

Banton’s 63 not out off 41 balls in the middle overs proved decisive. Later, Sam Curran played a quick 28 off 20 balls, and Will Jacks contributed an unbeaten 16 off 10 deliveries. England eventually reached the target with 10 balls to spare.