KOLKATA – West Indies kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high note, defeating Scotland by 35 runs in a thrilling Group C encounter. Romario Shepherd emerged as the match-winner with a stunning hat-trick, while Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive batting set the tone for a commanding total of 182/5.
Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies showcased their firepower. Hetmyer stole the show, smashing 64 off just 36 balls, including two fours and six towering sixes. His aggressive knock propelled the two-time champions to a challenging total. Brandon King contributed a steady 35 off 30 balls, Rovman Powell added a quickfire 24 off 14, and Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 26 off 13, ensuring momentum never waned.
Scotland’s chase began disastrously. Michael Jones fell for 1 at 7/1. George Munsey and Brandon McMullen stitched a 30-run stand for the second wicket, but McMullen departed for 14 off 12. Munsey followed soon after, out for 19 at 37/3. Captain Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce then mounted a fightback with a crucial 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Berrington’s 42 off 24 lifted hopes, but he fell at 115/4. Bruce’s 35 off 28 ended at 122/5, leaving Scotland reeling.
With 51 needed off the last four overs and five wickets in hand, the match hung in balance at 132/5 after 16 overs. Enter Romario Shepherd in the 17th over. The pacer unleashed carnage, claiming four wickets including a hat-trick, collapsing Scotland’s innings. They were bundled out for 147 in 18.5 overs.
Shepherd’s figures of 5/20 in three overs were devastating. Jason Holder picked 3, while Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie grabbed one each. For Scotland, Bradley Currie took 2/23, with Safyaan Sharif, Oliver Davidson, and Michael Leask claiming one apiece. This victory positions West Indies strongly in Group C.