England vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2024 Match 6

Defending champions England will begin their title defence when they face Scotland in the sixth match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 4: 10:30 AM Local, 8:00 PM IST. However, Scotland are eager to challenge the mighty Three Lions. England will come into their T20 World Cup opener as the overwhelming favourites to get off to a strong start against Scotland thanks to their batting firepower and the lightning pace of Archer and Wood, which has the potential to blow the Scottish top order away. The reigning world champions England will be looking to start their campaign on a great note against their near neighbours with a win. For Scotland, it will be vital for their big players to stand up against a formidable opponent to give themselves the best chance of causing an upset in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Defending champions England start their title defence against fellow rivals Scotland

In the upcoming Group B clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, England is set to face Scotland at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. As defending champions, England aim to kick off their campaign on a high note by securing a victory against their close neighbours. However, Scotland will look to pull off an upset and hope that their key players will deliver standout performances against the limited-overs giant like England. Jos Buttler's men were victorious in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 to become joint ODI and T20 world champions, and after losing the former late last year, they'll be determined not to lose this title as well. Meanwhile, Scotland is set to play in their fifth T20 World Cup and would love to start the tournament by beating their British rivals. England will now focus on the main competition and the opening game against Scotland at the Kensington Oval, where Paul Collingwood's men achieved a seven-wicket triumph against Australia to lift England's first T20 World Cup in 2010.

Fourteen years later, England will look to defend their title and focus on getting off to a winning start against Scotland. Scotland's primary objective would have been to secure qualification, but the shorter format of international cricket throws up more uncertainty and the chance to pull off a surprise. They will likely have to beat at least one of England or Australia to progress to the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage. Scotland have fond memories from the last time they faced off in a 50-over match in 2018 when Calum MacLeod hit an unbeaten 140 to help his country clinch a memorable six-run victory. The associate nation warmed up for the tournament with a losing final appearance in a tri-series with Ireland and the Netherlands before they travelled to the Caribbean for an abandoned game against Uganda and a 55-run defeat against Afghanistan.

ENG vs SCO Match 6: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown Weather and Pitch Report

The pitch at the Kensington Oval is renowned for its pace, making it the fastest among all the Caribbean nations. Both batters and bowlers are in the game. Kensington Oval has heavily favoured teams batting first in T20Is, with only 8 of 24 chases successful despite a modest average first-innings score of 156. Only 7 of those games were under lights. However, England, being the dominant side, will undoubtedly strive to surpass this benchmark and aim for a total exceeding 200 runs if they bat first.

Predicted England Playing XI

The England captain, Jos Buttler, and his opening partner Phil Salt will have the responsibility to provide quick starts in the powerplay overs, allowing the rest of the batters in the lineup, including Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, to keep the momentum going in the T20 World Cup 2024. Sam Curran could play a vital role in both the bat and ball after being named as a player of the tournament at the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are ready to unleash their express pace in the tournament opener.

ENG Playing XI

Jos Buttler (C/WK), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood

Jos Buttler (C/WK), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood.

Predicted Scotland Playing XI

Talking about the biggest stage, Scotland depends on George Munsey and Charlie Tear facing Archer and Wood first up. Munsey was Scotland's top scorer at the 2022 T20 World Cup after scoring 121 runs across his three innings in Australia. At the age of 37, skipper Richie Berrington will look to provide some solidity at number four. Brad Currie and Brad Wheal will lead the pace attack, while Chris Greaves and Mark Watt represent the two main spin options.

SCO Playing XI

George Munsey, Michael Jones, Richie Berrington (C), Ollie Hairs, Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, Chris Greaves, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.