Scotland rattle England before rain ruins chance of T20 World Cup upset

After two lengthy rain delays, Scotland made 90-0 from 10 overs, with Michael Jones smashing 45 from 30 and George Munsey making 41 from 31.

England were set a DLS target of 109 from 10 overs but the rain returned as they prepared to come out to bat, denying Scotland the chance to defend the total on a slow and turning pitch.

Jos Buttler’s side, bidding to defend their T20 World Cup trophy and become three-time champions, face arch-rivals Australia on Saturday, while Group B rivals Scotland return to action on Sunday against Oman.

Mark Wood and Jofra Archer conceded just 23 runs from their combined four overs but Jones and Munsey tucked into England spinner Adil Rashid and seamer Chris Jordan, scoring 50 runs from their 24 balls.

Munsey, who was caught off a Wood no-ball in the powerplay, hit Rashid for back-to-back boundaries, including a remarkable reverse-sweep for six, while Jones also cleared the ropes twice.

‘We expected a tough challenge, there are no easy games, but we were confident coming into the game,’ England captain Buttler said.

‘It’s disappointment for everyone. There were a couple of balls here and there we’d want to tighten up on, but we scrapped hard and we were confident of chasing that score down.

‘No-ball wickets are always disappointing, but these things happen. We just wanted to have a full game, but that’s the situation we find ourselves in.

‘Hopefully we get a dry day and we can get into the tournament.’

Ex-Scotland batter Qasim Sheikh added: ‘I’m very proud and very frustrated. I fancied the Scottish boys to defend that. I’m just gutted we don’t get to see the chase.’

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