When England and Scotland prolong their 154-year-old sporting rivalry past soccer and rugby fields to cricket in a T20 World Cup Group-C encounter on the Eden Gardens right here on Saturday, coinciding with the historic Calcutta Cup rugby match in Edinburgh, lots will probably be at stake for each groups.
Having survived a scare in opposition to 18th-ranked Nepal and shedding to West Indies, World No. 3 England is precariously positioned fourth within the group. A defeat to last-minute entrant Scotland will significantly dent England’s status and its possibilities of making it to the Tremendous Eight.
Aware of the situations, England will financial institution on its batting power, consisting of Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks. Its bowling assault has satisfactory assets in tempo and spin departments, that includes Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson.
England’s captain Harry Brook leaves the bottom after shedding his wicket in the course of the T20 World Cup match in opposition to West Indies.
| Picture Credit score:
AP
England’s captain Harry Brook leaves the bottom after shedding his wicket in the course of the T20 World Cup match in opposition to West Indies.
| Picture Credit score:
AP
Regardless that England seems to be stronger on paper, it must execute its plans nicely to safe a much-needed win and enhance its place on the desk.
A majority of the Scottish gamers have the expertise of enjoying county cricket in England and that may scale back the shock issue for each side.
Scotland, which convincingly beat Italy, will probably be pumped up due to the truth that it has accomplished fairly nicely regardless of its late entry and the shortage of preparation and is in rivalry for a Tremendous Eight berth.
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George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Michael Jones and all-rounders Brandon McMullen and Michael Leask can shoulder the duty of Scotland’s batting, whereas Brad Currie and Mark Watt will look to play essential roles in bowling.
Scotland has already set excessive requirements in fielding and can really feel at house at Eden Gardens after enjoying two matches.
For the reason that solely earlier assembly between each groups within the T20 World Cup was washed out in 2024, it is going to be fascinating to see which aspect attracts the primary blood.
Printed on Feb 13, 2026