T20 World Cup 2026: Predicting England XI and Scotland XI for Match 23

England will face Scotland in a crucial Group C clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. With the tournament entering a decisive phase, this match carries significant weight for both sides, particularly England, who have endured an underwhelming campaign so far.

England narrowly escaped against Nepal earlier in the tournament before suffering a disappointing defeat against West Indies, a loss that exposed concerns around their bowling, especially at the death. Scotland, on the other hand, arrive with renewed confidence after registering a convincing win over Italy, having earlier been beaten by West Indies. With qualification scenarios tightening, this fixture shapes up as a defining contest for both teams.

Predicted England Playing XI

Top Order: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler

England will be opening with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top despite inconsistent returns. Salt showed his attacking intent against West Indies with a brisk 30 off 14 but failed to convert it into a substantial knock. Buttler, one of the finest T20I batters got starts against both Nepal and West Indies but lacked sustained fluency.

Middle Order: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran

Jacob Bethell has been one of England’s positives, scoring 33 against West Indies and an impressive 55 against Nepal, showing composure against spin. Harry Brook remains central to England’s plans but has struggled to control the middle overs consistently. After an impressive outing against Nepal, he could not get going against West Indies. Sam Curran’s unbeaten 43 against West Indies highlighted his importance as a finisher and stabiliser when early wickets fall.

Lower Order: Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson

Will Jacks offers power and depth to an attacking bating unit. His late fireworks against Nepal in the end proved to be the difference between two sides. He previous scored 39 off 18 deliveries in the opening game and has also bowled quite nicely. hile Jamie Overton provides seam-bowling depth and lower-order hitting, Liam Dawson brings plenty of value with the ball, particularly against Nepal where his control through the middle overs proved effective.

Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

England’s bowling remains a concern. Jofra Archer has been expensive in both matches, conceding heavily against West Indies and Nepal, and is yet to rediscover his rhythm. Adil Rashid has been the standout, picking up crucial wickets and offering control, while Luke Wood adds left-arm variation with the new ball.

England T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Predicted Scotland Playing XI

Top Order: George Munsey, Michael Jones

George Munsey remains Scotland’s most destructive batter and was exceptional against Italy, smashing 84 off 54 to set the tone against Italy. Michael Jones has provided stability at the other end, allowing Munsey to play freely.

Middle Order: Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce

Brandon McMullen has been Scotland’s most impactful all-rounder, scoring a rapid 41 off 18 against Italy and contributing with the ball. Captain Richie Berrington brings experience and composure, while Tom Bruce adds depth and flexibility in the middle order.

Lower Order: Matthew Cross, Michael Leask

Matthew Cross offers reliability behind the stumps and with the bat, while Michael Leask’s explosive finishing was on full display against Italy, where he smashed 22 off just five deliveries then picked up four wickets as well.

Bowlers: Mark Watt, Brad Currie, Safyaan Sharif

Scotland’s bowling attack is built around control and variation. Mark Watt’s left-arm spin has been effective across matches, while Brad Currie impressed against Italy with both discipline and wickets. Safyaan Sharif provides experience and control with the new ball.

Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!