The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup clash delivered a commanding performance from the Caribbean side as West Indies secured a convincing win over Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Group-stage encounter showcased West Indies’ batting depth, disciplined bowling, and match-winning brilliance from Romario Shepherd, who dismantled Scotland’s chase with a five-wicket haul.
After posting a competitive total of 182 runs while batting first, West Indies bowled Scotland out for 147, sealing a comprehensive victory and sending a strong early message in the tournament.
Match Overview: West Indies Set the Tone Early
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies vs Scotland |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Stage | Group Match |
| Result | West Indies won by 35 runs |
Scotland won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that eventually backfired as West Indies capitalised on a good batting surface and favourable conditions.
West Indies Batting: Hatmyer Leads from the Front
West Indies began their innings with a steady approach before accelerating through the middle and death overs. The foundation laid by the openers allowed the middle order to play with freedom, and Shimron Hetmyer emerged as the standout performer.
Key West Indies Batting Performances
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimron Hetmyer | 64 | — | Aggressive |
| Brandon King | 35 | 30 | Steady |
| Sherfane Rutherford | 26 | 13 | Explosive |
| Shai Hope | 19 | 22 | Supportive |
Hetmyer played with authority, rotating the strike efficiently before launching into aggressive strokes that pushed the scoring rate beyond Scotland’s control. His innings anchored the West Indies total and ensured the team crossed the 180-run mark.
Brandon King provided stability at the top, while Rutherford’s late cameo injected momentum during the final overs.
Scotland’s Bowling Effort: Brief Resistance
Despite the challenging conditions, Scotland’s bowlers showed moments of discipline. Bradley Currie was the most successful among them, picking up two wickets, while Safyaan Sharif, Oliver Davidson, and Michael Leask claimed one wicket each.
| Scotland Bowlers | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Bradley Currie | 2 |
| Safyaan Sharif | 1 |
| Oliver Davidson | 1 |
| Michael Leask | 1 |
However, inconsistent lengths and a lack of sustained pressure allowed West Indies to finish strongly.
Scotland Chase: A Promising Start That Faded Away
Chasing 183, Scotland started with intent, knowing that a strong powerplay was essential. The openers looked positive early, but wickets at regular intervals prevented Scotland from building momentum.
Scotland Score Progression
| Overs | Score |
|---|---|
| 4 Overs | 29/1 |
| 6 Overs | 37/3 |
| 13 Overs | 114/3 |
| 17 Overs | 133/9 |
| Final | 147 All Out |
Captain Richie Berrington stood tall amid the collapse, producing a courageous knock of 42 runs from just 24 balls. Tom Bruce also offered support, but the required run rate kept climbing, and Scotland struggled to maintain partnerships.
Romario Shepherd: Match-Winning Spell
The turning point of the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup encounter was Romario Shepherd’s devastating bowling performance. Using pace, bounce, and clever variations, Shepherd tore through Scotland’s batting lineup.
Romario Shepherd Bowling Figures
| Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | 5 |
Shepherd repeatedly broke partnerships and ensured Scotland never regained control of the chase. His ability to strike at crucial moments earned him the Player of the Match honours and underlined West Indies’ bowling strength.
Scotland’s Key Batting Performances
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Richie Berrington | 42 | 24 |
| Tom Bruce | 32 | 23 |
| George Munsey | 19 | 15 |
Despite flashes of aggressive intent, Scotland’s batting depth could not withstand the sustained pressure applied by West Indies.
Live Match Moments That Defined the Game
- West Indies reached 50 runs without loss in 7 overs, setting a strong platform
- Scotland lost three wickets within the first six overs of the chase
- Scotland crossed 100 runs but lost wickets in quick succession
- At 133/9 after 17 overs, the result was effectively sealed
- Scotland were bowled out for 147, falling 35 runs short
Playing XI: West Indies vs Scotland
Scotland Playing XI
| Players |
|---|
| George Munsey |
| Matthew Cross (WK) |
| Brandon McMullen |
| Michael Jones |
| Tom Bruce |
| Richie Berrington (C) |
| Michael Leask |
| Oliver Davidson |
| Mark Watt |
| Brad Currie |
| Safyaan Sharif |
West Indies Playing XI
| Players |
|---|
| Brandon King |
| Shai Hope (WK/C) |
| Shimron Hetmyer |
| Rovman Powell |
| Sherfane Rutherford |
| Jason Holder |
| Romario Shepherd |
| Akeal Hosein |
| Matthew Forde |
| Gudakesh Motie |
| Shamar Joseph |
Context: Scotland’s World Cup Journey
Scotland entered the T20 World Cup after qualifying through the preliminary rounds, replacing Bangladesh in the main draw. Placed in a challenging group alongside West Indies, England, Italy, and Nepal, Scotland hoped to repeat past heroics.
Notably, Scotland had stunned West Indies in the 2022 T20 World Cup, a result that made this encounter particularly intriguing. However, West Indies ensured there would be no repeat of that upset.
What This Win Means for West Indies
The emphatic victory strengthens West Indies’ position early in the tournament and boosts their net run rate. The team displayed balance across departments—strong batting, controlled bowling, and sharp fielding—signalling serious title intent.
Key positives for West Indies:
- Middle-order stability
- Multiple bowling options
- Match-winners in pressure situations
What Lies Ahead for Scotland
While the result was disappointing, Scotland showed glimpses of potential. Captain Richie Berrington’s leadership and the team’s fighting spirit remain positives as they prepare for upcoming matches against England, Italy, and Nepal.
To stay competitive, Scotland will need:
- Better powerplay execution
- Stronger middle-order partnerships
- Improved death bowling
Conclusion:
The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match was a clear demonstration of West Indies’ dominance and tactical clarity. Romario Shepherd’s five-wicket haul, Shimron Hetmyer’s commanding innings, and a collective team effort ensured a deserved victory.
As the tournament progresses, West Indies look well-equipped to challenge the strongest sides, while Scotland will aim to regroup and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
