A struggling England cricket team face arch-rivals Scotland cricket team in a must-win T20 World Cup Group C clash on Saturday, a contest that could decide who advances to the Super Eight stage.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin’s clever tactic to counter Pakistan’s Usman Tariq

West Indies cricket team lead the group with two wins, while Scotland, England and Italy each have one victory and are separated only by net run rate. Scotland currently occupy second place after their emphatic win over Italy.

With Scotland set to face Nepal and England taking on Italy in their final group fixtures, Saturday’s showdown could prove decisive in the race for qualification.

A rivalry steeped in history

The sporting rivalry between England and Scotland dates back to football’s first official international in 1872. In cricket, the chapter is newer but no less compelling.

Scotland famously stunned England in 2018, posting 371/5 in a one-off ODI in Edinburgh to win by six runs. At the 2024 T20 World Cup, their group-stage meeting was washed out after Scotland raced to 90 without loss in 10 overs — a result that ultimately derailed England’s campaign.

For the Scots, there remains unfinished business.

Openers George Munsey and Michael Jones, who shared that unbroken 90-run stand in 2024, will look to resume their assault at Eden Gardens. The pair had taken 26 runs off England’s premier spinner Adil Rashid in just two overs, and that head-to-head battle promises to be pivotal once again.

England under pressure

The 2022 champions are feeling the heat. Led by Harry Brook, England slumped to a 30-run defeat against the West Indies after scraping past Nepal by four runs in their opener.

On a turning Wankhede surface, England’s long-standing issues against spin resurfaced. Chasing 197, they were cruising at 74/1 before spin duo Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase triggered a collapse. Six wickets fell to spin in the middle overs as England were bowled out for 166 in 19 overs.

History offers little comfort. Since 2007, England have played nine T20 World Cup matches against lower-ranked sides, managing four wins, three defeats — including twice to Netherlands and once to Ireland — and two no results.

Scotland’s surge

Scotland, who made a late entry into the tournament after Bangladesh declined to tour India, appear to be building momentum.

After an underwhelming start against the West Indies, they bounced back strongly against Italy at Eden Gardens. Scotland posted the tournament’s first 200-plus total before dismissing Italy for 134 in 16.4 overs.

Michael Leask emerged as the X-factor, claiming a career-best 4/17 and later smashing two fours and two sixes in his final five deliveries to power Scotland past the 200 mark.

Having spent over a week at the venue, Scotland are well acclimatised to conditions and may feel more settled than their neighbours heading into the clash.

Adding extra spice, the two nations will also meet later the same day in the Six Nations rugby championship in Edinburgh.

“We’re certainly looking forward to it,” Scotland captain Richie Berrington said. “It would make quite a headline if Scotland can get two wins over England on Saturday.”