Match overview
England beat Scotland by 5 wickets in a T20 international at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 14 February 2026. Scotland were bowled out for 152, a total that sat 34 runs below the ground's average first-innings score of 186. England's chase was functional rather than fluent: they reached 155 for 5, losing wickets at regular intervals through the middle and death overs but never losing control of the run rate. T Banton took the Player of the Match award. England had won the toss and elected to field, consistent with the ground's tendency where 58% of captains choose to bowl first.
Scotland's innings was undermined at both ends. They lost 3 wickets in the powerplay despite scoring 42 runs, and the damage was compounded at the death where they managed just 27 runs for 4 wickets in the final phase. The middle overs offered their best passage of play: 83 runs for 3 wickets across that block. For England, the death overs were more productive, bringing 36 runs for 1 wicket and settling the match.
Venue and conditions
Eden Gardens is among the most storied venues in world cricket and one of the largest grounds in the country. Across 171 matches, the average first-innings score here is 186 and the average second-innings score is 170. Both innings averages at this ground were well above what either side managed on 14 February, which points to a surface playing slower than usual or unusually disciplined bowling from both teams in the powerplay phases.
The ground's powerplay average is 44 runs, meaning Scotland's 42 and England's 43 were both close to par in that phase. Where Scotland came undone was the death: Eden Gardens' average for the final phase is 38 runs, and Scotland's 27 was significantly below that benchmark. England's 36 in the same phase was only marginally below average, but enough to finish the job. The toss-field tendency at this ground (58%) and a chase success rate of 53% across all matches here both favoured England's decision to bowl first.
Dew can be a factor at evening matches in Kolkata, which can make batting in the second innings more straightforward as the ball skids through. England's bowlers will have been aware they needed to take wickets early to offset any surface change as the innings progressed.
How to watch
England's T20I matches in India are broadcast in the UK on Sky Sports Cricket. Coverage is available via Sky Go for existing subscribers and on NOW TV for those opting for a day or monthly pass. For specific broadcast times in the UK, the Sky Sports website carries an up-to-date schedule for international fixtures.
Recent form
England arrived in this fixture having won four of their last five T20I matches. Their 2026 campaign included wins over Nepal, Sri Lanka (three times) and only one defeat, to West Indies. Scotland's recent form was more mixed: a win over Italy in 2026 was preceded by a loss to West Indies, while their 2025 results included wins over Namibia and Canada alongside a defeat to Jersey. The gulf in opposition quality faced by each side going into this match was notable, and England's rhythm built through back-to-back series wins over Sri Lanka was visible in the efficiency of their chase.
