Banton powers England to victory over Scotland

Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 led England to a five-wicket T20 World Cup victory over Scotland in Kolkata yesterday that kept Harry Brook’s side on course for the Super Eights.

Victory in their final Group C match against Italy tomorrow at the same Eden Gardens stadium will see England safely into the next round.

After bowling Scotland out for 152, England racked up 155-5 in 18.2 overs, with Jacob Bethell scoring 32, Sam Curran 28 and Will Jacks (16 off 10 balls) hitting a six and a four to finish the job.

“I think our full focus was on tonight and then obviously on to Italy in two days’ time,” said Banton, who hit form after scoring just four runs in England’s first two matches. “It’s T20 cricket. It’s a high-risk game. And you’ve got to keep backing yourself. At times it goes against you. And it’s hard.

“You’ve got to keep coming back, keep trying hard, keep practising. Luckily, today’s my day.”

England wobbled at the start of their chase as the new white ball swung under the floodlights with the sun going down.

Phil Salt fell third ball to Brandon McMullen for just two and when Jos Buttler picked out McMullen off Brad Currie they were 13-2.

Scotland bowled tightly until Bethell broke the shackles by hitting McMullen for a six and two fours in the fifth over.

Spinner Mark Watt also came in for some punishment, conceding 22 off his first over as Banton took him for three huge sixes.

A 66-run partnership ended when the left-handed Bethell on 32 helped a leg-side delivery from Oliver Davidson into the grateful hands of Brad Wheal at short fine leg. Captain Brook did not last long, scooping Michael Leask over his shoulder to Wheal to make it 86-4 but England were always in control and got home with 10 balls to spare.

BRIEF SCORES

England 155 for 5 (Banton 63*, Bethell 32, Davidson 1-12) beat Scotland 152 (Berrington 49, Rashid 3-36, Archer 2-24) by five wickets.

IRELAND THRASH OMAN

In yesterday’s first game, Ireland beat Oman by 96 runs after stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker blasted an unbeaten 94 off 51 balls to set up a total of 235-5, with support from Gareth Delany (56) and late fireworks from George Dockrell (35 off 9).

BRIEF SCORES

Ireland 235 for 5 (Tucker 94*, Delany 56, Shakeel 3-33) beat Oman 139 (Kaleem 50, Mirza 46, Little 3-16) by 96 runs.