West Indies Overpower Scotland by 8 Wickets in Dominant T20 World Cup Opener

West Indies launched their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Scotland at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, showcasing explosive batting and clinical bowling to secure a comfortable win in Group C. Brandon King’s blistering 78 off 42 balls and Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 75 off 38 powered the Windies to chase down Scotland’s 160/5 with 26 balls to spare. Alzarri Joseph’s 3/22 and Akeal Hosein’s economical spin (2/18) restricted the Scots despite George Munsey’s gritty 45. This emphatic result gave West Indies two crucial points and a strong net run rate boost in a group also featuring England, Nepal, and Italy. A passionate crowd of over 45,000 filled the historic venue under floodlights, with Caribbean flags waving and chants echoing as fireworks celebrated the one-sided affair on a good batting track.

The Eden Gardens, under clear February night skies with moderate dew assisting the chase, produced a moderate-scorer turned dominant chase with 320+ runs but firmly in West Indies’ control. The pitch — offering early bounce and carry, flattening out nicely — favored batting after the powerplay, making the defense tough but the chase straightforward. Rovman Powell’s decision to field first after winning the toss was vindicated, exploiting early seam before dew kicked in. For Scotland captain Richie Berrington, the defeat was disappointing, unable to post enough despite a solid start; for Powell, it was satisfying, a complete performance to kickstart the tournament. As Hetmyer smashed the winning boundary amid roaring cheers, the group narrative tilted toward West Indies as early favorites.

West Indies XI Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy

Scotland XI George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Currie, Hamza Tahir

Scotland – 160/5 (20 overs) Scotland posted a competitive but under-par 160 after being inserted, thanks to Munsey’s anchoring 45 off 38 and McMullen’s quick 32 off 22. Early wickets fell to Joseph (3/22), who struck with bounce in the powerplay, removing Jones cheaply. Berrington (28) and Leask (quick 19) added impetus in the middle, but Hosein (2/18) and Motie squeezed with spin, preventing acceleration. No major collapse, but extras 12 and death overs restricted to 45/1 in the last five as McCoy and Shepherd bowled tight. Momentum stayed with West Indies, keeping the total chaseable on a flat track.

West Indies – 161/2 (15.4 overs) West Indies’ chase was ruthless. King dominated the powerplay with 78 off 42 (8 fours, 4 sixes), sharing a blistering 98-run opening stand with Charles (quick 28). Hetmyer took over seamlessly, smashing 75* off 38 (6 fours, 5 sixes) with trademark power-hitting, sharing an unbroken 63-run stand with Powell (unbeaten 18*). Watt (1/32) picked Charles, but pacers leaked under assault as dew aided strokeplay. No pressure moments; pure dominance with aerial shots and smart running, sealing the win in just 15.4 overs for a massive margin.

Key Moments

• Brandon King’s explosive 78 off 42, setting a blistering platform in the powerplay.
• Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 75 off 38, powering home with aggressive six-hitting.
• Alzarri Joseph’s 3/22, dismantling Scotland’s top order with pace and bounce.
• 98-run opening stand between King and Charles, laying the foundation for the easy chase.
• Akeal Hosein’s economical 2/18, strangling Scotland’s middle overs.

Player of the Match: Brandon King (78 off 42) Winning Captain (Rovman Powell): “Brilliant start—Brandon set the tone, and Shimron finished it in style. Bowlers were sharp, especially Alzarri with the new ball. Eden Gardens was electric; this win gives us huge momentum in the group.” Losing Captain (Richie Berrington): “160 was a bit under on this pitch—credit to West Indies, they bowled well early and chased brilliantly. Munsey batted well, but we needed more. Tough opener, but we’ll regroup for the next games.”

Group C Standings (after Match 2): West Indies 2 pts (NRR +5.20), others TBD Next → India vs USA (Group A update) or next Group C: England vs Nepal, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai — February 8, 2026 (7:30 PM IST)

West Indies’ dominant display not only secured a convincing win but also sent a strong signal in Group C, with batting firepower and bowling variety shining in subcontinental conditions. As favorites to progress deep, the Men in Maroon carry confidence into their campaign, while Scotland reflect on a tough start against a heavyweight side.