England vs Scotland – T20 World Cup 2026 Match Preview

Match Details

• Series: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
• Match: Match 23
• Date & Time (IST): Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 3:00 PM
• Date & Time (GMT): Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 09:30 AM
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
• Broadcast: JioStar Network Channels & JioHotstar App & Website
• Live Scorecard: Live Scorecard Link

Match Overview

England and Scotland are set to meet for the first time in T20 World Cup history in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will be a crucial match for both teams as they look to secure a win in a group that is shaping up to be highly competitive.

England, currently placed with one win and one loss in the tournament, will be eager to bounce back from their recent defeat to the West Indies. The team will be led by the experienced Harry Brook, with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt expected to anchor the top order. Sam Curran, with his variations and ability to pick wickets, will play a key role with the ball.

Scotland, on the other hand, comes into the match after a morale-boosting 73-run win over Italy. The side is aiming to build on this momentum and make a strong statement in the tournament. Captain Richie Berrington and Brandon McMullen, who has been in good form, will be crucial to their batting success. Michael Leask, the pace spearhead, will look to exploit any weaknesses in the English batting line-up.

Team Form & Momentum

England

• Tournament Record: 1 win, 1 loss
• Last Match: Lost to West Indies
• Key Players: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran
• Strength: England have a deep and experienced squad, with a balanced mix of explosive batters and disciplined bowlers. Their recent defeat may have added extra motivation to perform well in this match.

Scotland

• Tournament Record: 1 win, 1 loss
• Last Match: Defeated Italy by 73 runs
• Key Players: Brandon McMullen, Michael Leask, George Munsey
• Strength: Scotland's batting has shown signs of improvement, and their fielding has been exceptional with a 100% catch success rate in the tournament. The team's ability to chase down targets will be tested in this match.

Pitch & Weather Conditions

The Eden Gardens pitch is known for its true bounce and good carry, making it a batsman-friendly surface. The outfield is fast, which will assist the fielders in taking quick singles and stopping the run flow. With the weather expected to be clear and warm, both teams can look forward to a full contest.

Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 1
• Last Meeting: June 4, 2024 (T20I)
• Result: Tied
• Venue: Scotland
• Note: This will be the second T20I between the two teams, with the first one ending in a tie. England will look to break the deadlock in their favor.

Key Players to Watch

England

• Phil Salt: The opener has been in red-hot form in T20Is, hitting a boundary every 2.7 balls faced. His aggressive start could set the tone for England.
• Sam Curran: A wicket-taking all-rounder, Curran has induced false shots on 25 balls in his last three matches. His variations could prove vital against Scotland’s top order.
• Harry Brook: The England captain has the ability to accelerate the innings and is likely to play a pivotal role in the middle overs.

Scotland

• Brandon McMullen: A key run-scorer for Scotland, McMullen has 40+ in three of his last four innings in the T20 World Cup. He aims to break into the top three for Scotland’s 50+ scores.
• Michael Leask: The pace spearhead, Leask has a strike rate of 10.7 in his last eight T20I innings. His ability to pick up crucial wickets will be vital for Scotland.
• George Munsey: The opener brings consistency and aggression, and his experience in high-pressure games could be the difference.

Playing XI Predictions

England (Probable XI)

1. Phil Salt
2. Jos Buttler (wk)
3. Jacob Bethell
4. Tom Banton
5. Harry Brook (c)
6. Will Jacks
7. Liam Dawson
8. Sam Curran
9. Jofra Archer
10. Adil Rashid
11. Jamie Overton

Scotland (Probable XI)

1. George Munsey
2. Michael Jones
3. Brandon McMullen
4. Tom Bruce
5. Richie Berrington (c)
6. Matthew Cross (wk)
7. Mark Watt
8. Michael Leask
9. Oliver Davidson
10. Brad Wheal
11. Brad Currie

Match Prediction

This match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams having the potential to win. However, England's depth in the batting lineup and experience in high-stakes T20 matches gives them a slight edge. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top, backed by a disciplined bowling attack led by Sam Curran, could be the difference.

Prediction: England to win by 5-10 runs

Final Thoughts

The clash between England and Scotland promises to be an exciting encounter, with both sides looking to make their mark in the T20 World Cup. Scotland's confidence is high after their win over Italy, while England will be determined to bounce back from their defeat to the West Indies. Fans can look forward to a high-scoring, fast-paced match at one of the most iconic venues in world cricket.

Don’t miss it!
England vs Scotland – Eden Gardens, 3:00 PM IST (09:30 AM GMT)
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