Eng vs Scot Powerplay: Archer’s Record-Breaking Burst Puts England in Control Against Scotland

Opting to bowl in this must-win Group C encounter, England’s pace spearhead looked back to his fearsome best. Archer struck twice in a devastating third over, removing George Munsey and Brandon McMullen in the space of three balls. The double-strike saw Archer become the fastest Englishman to reach 50 T20I wickets, a milestone that silenced any doubts regarding his match fitness.

Scotland’s Michael Jones initially threatened to counter-attack, smashing five boundaries and a towering six in a breezy 33-ball cameo. However, Sam Curran ended the resistance on the final ball of the Powerplay, inducing a mistimed pull that was safely held by Tom Banton.

England’s decision to remain unchanged despite their opening-day loss to the Windies has paid immediate dividends. With the run rate throttled and the middle order exposed, England have firmly seized the initiative in Kolkata.

After 8, Scotland is on 59/3