The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match produced a commanding performance from West Indies as they registered a convincing victory over Scotland in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Played at the historic Eden Gardens, the contest highlighted West Indies’ batting depth and bowling firepower, with Romario Shepherd delivering a match-defining spell that crushed Scotland’s chase.
Batting first, West Indies posted a strong total of 182 runs. Scotland, despite showing early promise, failed to keep pace with the rising required run rate and were bowled out for 147, handing West Indies a comprehensive win in the group stage.
Match Summary at a Glance
| Match | West Indies vs Scotland |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens |
| Toss | Scotland won, chose to bowl |
| West Indies Score | 182 runs (20 overs) |
| Scotland Score | 147 all out |
| Result | West Indies won by 35 runs |
The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup encounter saw West Indies dominate key phases of the game, from the middle overs with the bat to the death overs with the ball.
West Indies Batting Performance: Smart Build-Up, Strong Finish
West Indies adopted a balanced batting approach, focusing on stability early before accelerating in the latter half of the innings. The openers ensured a steady start, which allowed the middle order to play with confidence.
Shimron Hetmyer was the backbone of the innings, combining composure with aggression. His knock ensured that West Indies maintained control even when wickets fell at the other end.
Top Run-Scorers for West Indies
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Shimron Hetmyer | 64 | — |
| Brandon King | 35 | 30 |
| Sherfane Rutherford | 26 | 13 |
| Shai Hope | 19 | 22 |
Hetmyer’s innings stood out in the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match as he handled pressure situations and capitalised on scoring opportunities. Brandon King provided consistency at the top, while Sherfane Rutherford’s late surge pushed the total beyond Scotland’s comfort zone.
Scotland Bowling Effort: Flashes of Control, Lack of Consistency
Scotland’s bowlers struggled to contain the West Indies batters once the momentum shifted. While there were a few disciplined overs, inconsistency in line and length allowed the scoring rate to climb.
| Scotland Bowler | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|
| Bradley Currie | 2 |
| Safyaan Sharif | 1 |
| Oliver Davidson | 1 |
| Michael Leask | 1 |
Despite picking up wickets at intervals, Scotland could not apply sustained pressure, which proved costly in the final overs.
Scotland Chase: Early Optimism, Mid-Innings Collapse
Chasing 183 in a high-pressure West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup clash, Scotland needed a strong powerplay. The innings began with positive intent, but regular wickets prevented the batters from building long partnerships.
Scotland Score Progression
| Overs Completed | Score |
|---|---|
| 4 Overs | 29/1 |
| 6 Overs | 37/3 |
| 13 Overs | 114/3 |
| 17 Overs | 133/9 |
| Final | 147 all out |
Captain Richie Berrington attempted to anchor the chase, but the increasing run rate and loss of wickets made the task difficult.
Richie Berrington Leads by Example
One of the few bright moments for Scotland in the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match was Richie Berrington’s aggressive knock. The Scotland captain scored 42 runs from just 24 deliveries, showing intent and leadership.
| Scotland Batters | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Richie Berrington | 42 | 24 |
| Tom Bruce | 32 | 23 |
| George Munsey | 19 | 15 |
While Berrington and Tom Bruce briefly revived hopes, the dismissal of key batters shifted the momentum firmly back in West Indies’ favour.
Romario Shepherd’s Game-Changing Spell
The decisive factor in the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup encounter was Romario Shepherd’s outstanding bowling performance. Using raw pace, smart variations, and consistent accuracy, Shepherd dismantled Scotland’s middle and lower order.
| Romario Shepherd Bowling Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Wickets Taken | 5 |
| Match Influence | Turned the game decisively |
Shepherd struck at crucial moments, ensuring Scotland never built sustained momentum. His spell sealed the outcome well before the final overs.
Key Turning Points of the Match
- West Indies crossed 50 runs without losing a wicket
- Scotland lost three wickets within the first six overs
- Scotland crossed 100 but quickly lost control
- At 133/9 after 17 overs, West Indies were on the brink of victory
- Scotland were bowled out for 147
These moments defined the flow of the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup contest.
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 |
Tournament Context: Scotland’s Tough Group Challenge
Scotland entered the tournament after qualifying through earlier rounds and were placed in a competitive group featuring several strong sides. Having previously stunned West Indies in an earlier T20 World Cup edition, expectations were high for another surprise.
However, the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match showed that West Indies were well prepared and tactically sharp, leaving no room for an upset this time.
What This Win Means for West Indies
This victory provides West Indies with a strong start to their World Cup campaign. The team demonstrated balance across departments, with dependable batting and multiple bowling options.
Key positives for West Indies:
- Stable middle-order contributions
- Effective use of pace bowlers
- Strong execution under pressure
Areas Scotland Need to Improve
Despite the defeat, Scotland showed moments of competitiveness. To stay alive in the tournament, the team will need to focus on consistency and decision-making.
Key improvement areas:
- Powerplay batting stability
- Middle-order partnerships
- Controlling runs in the death overs
Also read: Pak vs Ned T20 Highlights: Pakistan Register Crucial Opening Win in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Conclusion:
The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup match clearly highlighted West Indies’ superiority in both planning and execution. Romario Shepherd’s five-wicket haul and Shimron Hetmyer’s composed innings ensured a deserved and comfortable victory.
As the tournament progresses, West Indies look well positioned to challenge stronger opponents, while Scotland will aim to regroup and bounce back in their remaining fixtures.
