Shepherd’s Hat-Trick Heroics! West Indies Crush Scotland’s Hopes by 35 Runs
Kolkata, 07 February (Sports Desk)
The West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in the 2nd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played on February 7, 2026, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This Group C opener saw the West Indies post a competitive total before their bowlers, led by a sensational performance from Romario Shepherd, dismantled Scotland’s chase.
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Toss and West Indies Innings
Scotland captain Richie Berrington won the toss and elected to bowl first on a good batting surface at Eden Gardens.
The West Indies posted 182/5 in 20 overs. They started steadily in the powerplay (33/0 in 6 overs) but accelerated through the middle overs thanks to explosive middle-order batting.
Key performers for West Indies:
- Shimron Hetmyer top-scored with a blazing 64 off 36 balls (fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a West Indian in some reports), featuring big sixes and boundaries.
- Brandon King provided a solid start with 35 off 22.
- Sherfane Rutherford added 26, and Rovman Powell contributed 24.
- Handy cameos from Shai Hope (19) helped build momentum.
Scotland’s bowling was disciplined early but leaked runs later:
- Brad Currie and others picked wickets in the death overs to restrict them below 200.
- Fall of wickets: 54/1 (Hope), 58/2 (King), 139/3 (Powell), 175/4 (Hetmyer), 175/5 (Rutherford).
Scotland Innings (Target: 183)
Scotland’s chase started poorly, losing early wickets in the powerplay (38/3 after 6 overs). A promising 78-run stand between Richie Berrington (42 off 24) and Tom Bruce (around 35) brought them back into contention, reaching positions like 82/3 after 10 overs and higher in the teens.
However, a dramatic collapse followed, especially in the middle and death overs. Romario Shepherd turned the game with a devastating spell:
- He took 4 wickets in 5 balls in the 17th over, including a hat-trick (dismissing Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson), and then grabbed another (Safyaan Sharif) to complete a 5-wicket haul (5/20 or similar figures).
- Other bowlers like Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Akeal Hosein, and Gudakesh Motie chipped in with wickets.
Scotland were bowled out for 147 in 18.5 overs.
Key Scotland contributions:
- Richie Berrington fought with 42.
- Tom Bruce and others provided resistance, but the lower order crumbled.
Result Summary
- West Indies 182/5 (20 overs)
- Scotland 147 all out (18.5 overs)
- West Indies won by 35 runs.
- Player of the Match: Likely Romario Shepherd for his match-winning 5-wicket haul (including hat-trick), or Shimron Hetmyer for his explosive 64.
This victory gave the West Indies (two-time champions) a strong start in Group C, earning 2 crucial points. Scotland showed fight and nearly made it competitive but couldn’t handle the Windies’ pace and spin in the middle phase. The match highlighted West Indies’ bowling depth and middle-order firepower, while Scotland’s late inclusion after Bangladesh’s withdrawal added drama to their campaign opener.
