West Indies began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in dominant fashion with a 35-run win over Scotland.
West Indies made a commanding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a comprehensive 35-run victory over Scotland in the opening Group C clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, February 7.
Shimron Hetmyer and Romario Shepherd were the standout performers as the Caribbean side proved too strong in both departments.
Put in to bat first, West Indies got off to a steady start through openers Brandon King and captain Shai Hope, who added 54 runs for the first wicket. While Hope struggled for fluency in his 22-ball 19, King looked in fine touch, striking four boundaries and a six in his brisk 35.
However, Scotland clawed back with quick wickets as Michael Leask and Oliver Davidson removed the openers to leave West Indies at 58 for 2 midway through the innings.
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Shimron Hetmyer then took charge in emphatic fashion. Batting at number three, he smashed 64 off just 36 balls and stitched together a vital 81-run partnership with Rovman Powell.
Hetmyer brought up his half-century in only 22 deliveries, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest fifty by a West Indies batter in a T20 World Cup. Late cameos from Powell (24 off 14) and Sherfane Rutherford (26 off 13) powered West Indies to a strong total of 182 for 5.
Scotland Fail In Chase With Shepherd Storm
In reply, Scotland’s chase faltered early as Michael Jones departed for a single. Despite a spirited counterattack led by captain Richie Berrington, who scored 42 off 24 balls, and support from Tom Bruce, the momentum shifted dramatically.
Romario Shepherd ripped through the middle order with a sensational five-wicket haul for just 20 runs, while Jason Holder chipped in with three wickets.
Scotland were eventually bowled out for 147, handing West Indies a dominant win and early top spot in Group C with a healthy net run rate of 1.295.
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