New Delhi: Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 helped England beat Ireland by five wickets to bounce back to winning ways in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, february 14. Despite facing early hiccups, England rode on Banton’s match-winning half-century to chase down the target of 153 runs comfortably and bag their second win in the tournament.
It was a morale-boosting victory for the two-time champions after their crushing defeat against West Indies in their last game. England got off to a woeful start in the run chase, losing openers Phil Salt (2) and Jos Buttler (3) cheaply inside the first two overs. Banton combined with Jacob Bethell to get them back on track before sharing a match-winning stand with Sam Curran to take them home comfortably.
Banton top-scored for England with 63 not out off 41 balls, laced with three sixes and 4 fours. He shared a 66-run stand with Bethell (32) for the third wicket to steady the ship for England after the early departures of Salt and Buttler. Skipper Harry Brook then departed cheaply on run-a-ball 4, however, Banton joined hands with Curran (28) to add 46 runs for the fifth wicket, easing the nerves for England.
Will Jacks added finishing touches with his cameo of unbeaten 16 off 10 balls as England wrapped up the chase in 18.2 overs to secure two points. England bounced back to winning ways after their defeat against West Indies in their last game and moved to the second spot on the Group C table with 4 points from three matches.