The West Indies dominated Scotland in their Group C opening match in Kolkata on Saturday, winning by 35 runs thanks to pace bowler Romario Shepherd’s maiden hat-trick of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
In the 17th over, Shepherd took four wickets in five balls, ending Scotland’s chances of reaching their 183-run target.
Earlier, the West Indies reached 182/5 in their 20 overs thanks to Shimron Hetmyer’s 36-ball 64 at Eden Gardens.
With big-hitting skipper Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce, the Scots, who had just been called up two weeks prior to replace Bangladesh, were threatening a historic victory at 114-3 at the end of the 13th over. Berrington, who hit 42, and Tom Bruce (35) had put them back in the hunt with a 78-run partnership at the fourth wicket.
However, Scotland was bowled out for 147 thanks to blows from Jason Holder and Shepherd. After dismissing Matthew Cross for 11, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson, Shepherd celebrated enthusiastically before finishing with a commanding 5/20 from his three overs.
Holder concluded the Scotland innings in 18.5 overs with stats of 3-30 in 3.5 overs.
With some disciplined bowling, the Scots, who had won the toss and chosen to field, put the West Indies on the backfoot. In the seventh over, opener Brandon King reached 35 after hitting fast bowler Safyaan Sharif for two fours and a six off consecutive balls.
Leask delivered the first punch with his off-spin when he bowled captain Shai Hope for 19 after Scotland switched up their bowlers. The next player out was King, who was caught at backward point by rookie left-arm spinner Davidson, who took his first T20 wicket.
Hetmyer took on the opposition attack, smashing six sixes and with Rovman Powell, who made 24, put together a stand of 81 off 37 balls. Hetmyer hit a six to reach his fifty off 22 balls.
Powell was dismissed, but Hetmyer continued to assault with Sherfane Rutherford, another left-hander, who scored 26 off 13 balls. After a spectacular catch by Brandon McMullen at long-on, Hetmyer was dismissed by Sharif, and Rutherford followed him on the opening ball of the following over. Brad Currie ended with figures of 2-23.
