West Indies Set 183-Run Target for Scotland in T20 World Cup 2026 Thriller
The T20 World Cup 2026 Group C opener at Eden Gardens delivered explosive entertainment as West Indies posted a commanding 182/5 against Scotland in their 20 overs on February 07, 2026. Shimron Hetmyer’s breathtaking 64 off 36 balls, featuring 6 massive sixes, powered the Caribbean side to a formidable total that now challenges Scotland to pull off the biggest chase of their T20 World Cup history. The day-night encounter at Kolkata’s iconic venue has set up a thrilling second innings under lights.
Scotland now faces a daunting task of chasing 183 runs to upset West Indies and start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a statement victory that would shock the cricket world.
Match Situation Overview
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies vs Scotland – 2nd Match, Group C |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date | Friday, February 07, 2026 |
| West Indies Score | 182/5 (20 overs) |
| Scotland Target | 183 runs to win |
| Current RR | 9.10 runs per over |
| Toss | Scotland won, elected to field |
| Win Probability | WI 56.50% • SCOT 43.50% |
West Indies Batting Performance
Top Performers
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimron Hetmyer | 64 | 36 | 2 | 6 | 177.77 | c McMullen b Sharif |
| Brandon King | 35 | 30 | 4 | 1 | 116.66 | c Munsey b Davidson |
| Sherfane Rutherford | 26 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 200.00 | c Jones b Currie |
| Rovman Powell | 24 | 14 | 1 | 2 | 171.42 | c Jones b Currie |
| Shai Hope (c)† | 19 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 86.36 | b Leask |
| Romario Shepherd | 6* | 3 | 0 | 1 | 200.00 | Not out |
| Matthew Forde | 1* | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | Not out |
Innings Highlights: Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive knock featuring 6 towering sixes turned this into a winning total. His 50 came off just 22 balls, showcasing the kind of brutal hitting that makes West Indies so dangerous. Brandon King’s solid 35 off 30 provided the foundation before Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford’s late assault pushed the score beyond 180. The death overs saw West Indies plunder 44 runs while losing 3 wickets, demonstrating their aggressive intent. The tournament schedule shows both teams have quick turnarounds for upcoming fixtures.
Fall of Wickets Timeline
1st Wicket: 54 (Shai Hope, 8.2 overs) – Hope’s dismissal broke the opening partnership 2nd Wicket: 58 (Brandon King, 9.2 overs) – King departed just after Hope 3rd Wicket: 139 (Rovman Powell, 15.3 overs) – Powell’s exit ended crucial partnership 4th Wicket: 175 (Shimron Hetmyer, 18.6 overs) – Hetmyer’s dismissal in penultimate over 5th Wicket: 175 (Sherfane Rutherford, 19.1 overs) – Rutherford fell immediately after
Key Partnership: Hetmyer and Powell added 81 runs in just 37 balls for the 3rd wicket, with their 50-run partnership coming in merely 19 balls. This explosive stand transformed the match and put West Indies in control.
Scotland Bowling Analysis
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Maidens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Currie | 4 | 23 | 2 | 5.75 | 0 |
| Oliver Davidson | 3 | 23 | 1 | 7.66 | 0 |
| Brandon McMullen | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7.00 | 0 |
| Mark Watt | 4 | 38 | 0 | 9.50 | 0 |
| Michael Leask | 4 | 42 | 1 | 10.50 | 0 |
| Safyaan Sharif | 4 | 46 | 1 | 11.50 | 0 |
Bowling Performance: Brad Currie emerged as Scotland’s most economical bowler with 2 crucial wickets for just 23 runs. His dismissals of Powell and Rutherford in death overs prevented West Indies from reaching 200+. Oliver Davidson claimed Brandon King’s wicket on his T20I debut. However, Scotland’s experienced bowlers Sharif and Leask proved expensive, conceding 88 runs combined without enough wickets. Mark Watt’s usually tight spin bowling went for 38 runs as Hetmyer targeted him mercilessly. Check the Group C standings to understand qualification implications.
Match Flow & Key Moments
Powerplay (0-6 overs): 33/0 West Indies started cautiously with King and Hope building foundation. Both batters looked to settle before accelerating.
Middle Overs (7-14): 93 runs, 2 wickets Scotland fought back with Hope and King’s dismissals, but Hetmyer’s assault began immediately. His partnership with Powell changed the match completely.
Death Overs (15-20): 56 runs, 3 wickets West Indies plundered runs despite losing wickets. Hetmyer’s six-hitting spree, Rutherford’s cameo, and final push took them past 180.
Milestones: 50 runs reached in 6.6 overs (42 balls) 100 runs achieved in 12.2 overs (74 balls) 150 runs crossed in 16.5 overs (101 balls) Hetmyer’s 50 came off just 22 balls with 6 sixes
Shimron Hetmyer: Match-Defining Innings
Hetmyer’s explosive 64 off 36 balls stands as the innings’ defining performance. His strike rate of 177.77 and 6 sixes demonstrated why he’s considered one of T20 cricket’s most dangerous finishers. Coming in at 58/2, he counter-attacked brilliantly, targeting Scotland’s spinners with calculated aggression. His ability to clear boundaries at will on Eden Gardens’ large ground showcased incredible power. Each six came at crucial moments, building pressure and momentum that Scotland’s bowlers couldn’t contain. This innings could prove match-winning if West Indies’ bowlers execute their plans.
What Scotland Needs to Win
Required: 183 runs from 120 balls Required Run Rate: 9.15 runs per over Strategy: George Munsey and Michael Jones must provide aggressive powerplay start targeting 50+ runs. The middle order featuring Richie Berrington, Brandon McMullen, and Michael Leask needs to maintain momentum without losing wickets in clusters. Scotland’s batting depth is limited, making top-order responsibility enormous. They’ll bank on dew factor making batting easier under lights, but West Indies’ pace attack of Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde can exploit any early nerves. Follow live updates on the points table page as this chase unfolds.
Historical Context: This would be Scotland’s highest successful T20 World Cup chase if they pull it off. Their previous best was around 160, making 183 uncharted territory. However, their historic 2022 victory over West Indies proves they possess the belief and capability to shock bigger teams.
West Indies’ Bowling Hopes
Game Plan: Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde must take early wickets in powerplay to create pressure. Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie need to choke scoring in middle overs when dew hasn’t fully settled. Jason Holder’s experience in death overs becomes crucial if Scotland stays in hunt. West Indies will fancy defending 183 given Scotland’s limited batting depth and their own quality bowling attack.
Key Factors: Early wickets, spin control through middle overs, death bowling execution, and sharp fielding to save boundaries will determine if West Indies can defend this total.
Venue & Conditions Impact
Eden Gardens Characteristics: The large boundaries tested batters’ power-hitting, yet Hetmyer cleared them repeatedly. Dew factor expected in second innings will make ball wet and harder to grip for bowlers, potentially aiding Scotland’s chase. The pitch played true with good bounce, suggesting high-scoring game continues in second innings. The passionate Kolkata crowd creates electric atmosphere that could inspire either team.
Win Probability Analysis
West Indies (56.50%): Slight favorites based on total posted and bowling attack quality. The score of 182 represents par-plus total at Eden Gardens, giving them defendable cushion.
Scotland (43.50%): Genuine chances exist given dew advantage when batting second and West Indies’ historical inconsistency defending totals. Their 2022 upset proves psychological belief exists.
FAQs: West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026
Q1: What target did West Indies set for Scotland? West Indies scored 182/5 in 20 overs, setting Scotland a target of 183 runs to win at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Q2: Who was the top scorer for West Indies? Shimron Hetmyer top-scored with explosive 64 off 36 balls, hitting 2 fours and 6 massive sixes at strike rate of 177.77.
Q3: Which Scottish bowler performed best? Brad Currie claimed 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs (economy 5.75), making him Scotland’s most effective bowler.
Q4: What is the required run rate for Scotland? Scotland needs 183 runs from 120 balls, requiring run rate of 9.15 per over to secure victory.
Q5: What is Scotland’s highest T20 World Cup chase? This would be Scotland’s highest successful T20 World Cup chase if they reach 183, surpassing their previous best of around 160.
Q6: What is the win probability? Statistical models give West Indies 56.50% chance of winning while Scotland has 43.50% probability of pulling off the upset.
What’s Next: Scotland’s Chase Begins
Scotland enters the field needing their best batting performance in T20 World Cup history. George Munsey’s explosive ability and the team’s proven giant-killing mentality give them genuine hope, but 183 represents a massive mountain to climb. West Indies’ pace-spin combination and experience defending totals makes them favorites, yet their historical inconsistency keeps this match wide open. The dew factor could prove decisive as wet ball becomes harder to grip for bowlers. Expect edge-of-seat entertainment as Scotland chases history while West Indies seek to protect their commanding total. Stay updated with ball-by-ball coverage and expert analysis at the T20 World Cup 2026 news section as this Group C thriller reaches its climax!
