England steadied their T20 World Cup campaign with a five-wicket win over Scotland in Kolkata, though not before another uncomfortable evening that leaves the Scots on the verge of a group-stage exit.
Scotland were restricted to 152 on a good batting surface, but England’s chase quickly faltered as Phil Salt and Jos Buttler fell inside the opening two overs.
Further setbacks followed and when Harry Brook was caught for four, England were 86-4 and staring at a potentially damaging defeat.
Tom Banton instead produced the defining innings of his international career, finishing unbeaten on 63 to guide the holders home with 10 balls remaining.
He shifted momentum by striking spinner Mark Watt for successive sixes, while Jacob Bethell made 32 and Sam Curran added 28 in support.
Scotland had earlier shown discipline with both ball and field, yet ultimately paid for not fully capitalising on captain Richie Berrington’s 49.
His innings helped them to 113-3 in the 13th over, a position from which a total nearer 180 looked possible before the innings slipped away.
Adil Rashid recovered from an expensive start to take 3-36, claiming three wickets in his second spell, while Jofra Archer impressed in the powerplay and ended with 2-23.
Liam Dawson chipped in with 2-34 as Scotland lost 5-14 in 3.3 overs, a collapse that left them short of a competitive score.
The result means England will secure a place in the Super 8s if they beat Italy on Monday. Scotland face Nepal in their final group match on Tuesday but could already be eliminated depending on other results.
