Scotland were left to rue what could have been against England as their openers' sensational effort went in vain after rain ruled the roost in Barbados. With George Munsey and Michael Jones denying their wickets to English bowlers to set 109 on a tricky surface, the chance for the defending champions to bat didn't come at all as rain had the final say.
England have been set a stiff 109 against a spirited Scotland, whose openers George Munsey and Michael Jones blasted an unbroken stand of 90 in a 10-over contest due to rain. England failed to strike, with Mark Wood's no-ball costing them a wicket, following which the defending champions failed to create any chances.
Defending champions England, led by Jos Buttler, will open their campaign against Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The two sides have locked horns with one another only once in ODIs and are yet to face off in the shortest format. The toss went in favour of Scotland skipper Richie Berrington, who won the toss and opted to bat first.
Berrington reflected that the wicket looks on the drier side and suggested that batting first would give them the best chance to stun the heavyweights. Jos Buttler revealed that he would have bowled first as well and revealed to be facing a conundrum between Reece Topley and Mark Wood, but have gone with the latter due to that extra pace.
England and Scotland playing XI:
England playing XI: Jos Buttler(w/c), Philip Salt, Will Jacks, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Scotland playing XI: George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington(c), Matthew Cross(w), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Christopher Sole, Brad Wheal, Bradley Currie.
The Englishmen became only the 2nd team after the West Indies in the 2022 edition to win the T20 World Cup twice. They beat Pakistan by 5 wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Their preparation have also been on point, having beaten Pakistan in the recent T20I series.
