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The West Indies kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey at Eden Gardens in Kolkata with a resounding 35-run win over Scotland. As they chased a challenging target, the Scottish batsmen showed some promise early on, but the West Indies' aggressive batting and sharp bowling ultimately made the difference. 

Shimron Hetmyer was the star of the innings, delivering a brilliant performance with 64 runs off just 36 balls, which included six massive sixes. Rovman Powell added a quick 24 runs from 14 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford’s rapid 26 off 13 balls helped boost the score in the final overs.

Brandon King and Shai Hope also made important contributions, scoring 35 and 19 respectively. Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde wrapped up the innings without losing their wickets, bringing the total to a strong 182/5 in 20 overs. Hetmyer’s all-around talent shone through, showcasing his power-hitting and even pulling off a spectacular catch to dismiss Scotland’s George Munsey. 

Also Read | Watch: McMullen Takes Brilliant Catch to Dismiss Hetmyer at Eden Gardens vs WI

Scotland had their moments, especially with captain Berrington and Bruce at the crease. A well-timed free-hit got Bruce into the groove, and Berrington’s aggressive batting briefly raised hopes for a successful chase. Needing 69 runs off 42 balls, the match felt evenly poised, but Shepherd’s incredible bowling turned the tide.

The Guyanese bowler claimed a hat-trick, adding to his earlier five-wicket haul, which sparked a dramatic collapse. Scotland went from a promising 115/4 to 147 all out in just 18.5 overs, leaving them with little chance to recover. 

The West Indies' blend of aggressive batting and potent bowling proved too much for the Scots. Hetmyer set the pace with his innings and sharp fielding, while Shepherd’s magic with the ball clinched the victory. With this commanding start, the Caribbean team has sent a strong signal to their Group C opponents: they are definitely a team to keep an eye on in the T20 World Cup 2026.