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Scotland will face West Indies in a Group C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. West Indies will enter with a reputation as T20 specialists. They have explosive batting depth and a history of success in global tournaments. They have won T20 World Cups. They know how to win big matches.
Scotland have arrived full of confidence and self-assurance. They have troubled big teams before on the world stage. They know they own it. This match is crucial for the early momentum in the group. West Indies will look to establish their dominance quickly. Scotland will take inspiration from past upsets in ICC events.
The last men’s T20 international match between these two teams was during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Scotland stunned West Indies by winning by 42 runs in Hobart. This result will give Scotland confidence going into this encounter. They have done it before. They can do it again.
West Indies possess a long legacy in T20 cricket built on aggressive batting and athletic fielding. Their lineup features several power hitters capable of changing games in a matter of overs. The bowling attack blends pace and variation. This allows them to apply pressure in both the powerplay and death overs.
Despite occasional inconsistency West Indies generally raise their level in global tournaments. They remain one of the most dangerous white ball sides when momentum swings their way. They can explode at any moment. Bowlers fear them.
Scotland have impressed in qualifiers and ICC tournaments with structured all round performances. Their success is built around teamwork and disciplined bowling and smart use of conditions. They continue to develop depth across departments. They are not a one man team.
The Sco will also take confidence from their 2022 World Cup win over West Indies. That victory proved they can outplay major nations when plans come together on the day. Cricket is played on the field not on paper.
| No. | Scotland Player | Role | West Indies Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richie Berrington (c) | top-order batter | Shai Hope (c) | wicketkeeper batter |
| 2 | Tom Bruce | top-order batter | Johnson Charles | wicketkeeper batter |
| 3 | Matthew Cross | wicketkeeper batter | Roston Chase | allrounder |
| 4 | Brad Currie | bowler | Matthew Forde | bowler |
| 5 | Oliver Davidson | bowler | Shimron Hetmyer | middle-order batter |
| 6 | Chris Greaves | bowler | Jason Holder | bowling allrounder |
| 7 | Michael Jones | top-order batter | Akeal Hosein | bowler |
| 8 | Michael Leask | allrounder | Shamar Joseph | bowler |
| 9 | Finlay McCreath | middle-order batter | Brandon King | top-order batter |
| 10 | Brandon McMullen | batting allrounder | Gudakesh Motie | bowler |
| 11 | George Munsey | opening batter | Rovman Powell | middle-order batter |
| 12 | Safyaan Sharif | bowler | Sherfane Rutherford | middle-order batter |
| 13 | Mark Watt | bowler | Quentin Sampson | batter |
| 14 | Brad Wheal | bowler | Jayden Seales | bowler |
| 15 | Zainullah Ihsan | bowler | Romario Shepherd | bowling allrounder |
Eden Gardens is known for providing a competitive surface in T20 cricket. Batsmen can score freely after being set up. Seamers can find pace early with the new ball. Spinners often play an important role during the middle overs, especially if the surface starts to slow down.
Fog can be a factor in the evening. This potentially favours the chase option. Bowling becomes difficult when the ball is wet. The par score in T20 matches is around 160 to 170, depending on overhead conditions and toss decisions. Teams scoring 165 are usually comfortable.
West Indies have a world-class batting force at the top and middle order. They have a variety of bowling options, including both pace and spin. They have experience of ICC tournaments and pressure situations. This experience is important.
Their concern is sometimes the slow pace of the middle order. If quick wickets fall early while chasing, they sometimes show weakness. If they lose three wickets in the powerplay, they struggle.
The key players will look to Shai Hope to bring stability and leadership at the top. Shimron Hetmyer is a devastating middle-order hitter who can change the game in two overs. Alzarri Joseph is their main new-ball bonus provider who takes wickets early.
Scotland have a balanced team with several all-rounders. Their disciplined bowling attack keeps the run rate in check. They have a strong tactical awareness in tournament cricket. They plan well and execute better.
Their concern is limited performances against the best batting lineups. Their top order could struggle if they get off to a flying start. They need a good start.
Key players to watch out for: George Muncy, an aggressive opener who is capable of getting off to a fast start. Mark Watt is a left-arm spinner who controls the middle overs. Richie Barrington is their experienced leader and a steady batsman who holds the innings together.
With fog likely at Eden Gardens, the captain who wins the toss may opt to bowl first and chase with clarity in the evening. Fog makes chasing easier. The ball slips. Batting becomes easier. The toss can decide the match.
West Indies start as favourites on paper as they have the best power hitting depth and big match experience. They have won the World Cup. They know how to handle pressure. However, Scotland will remember their famous 42-run win over West Indies in the 2022 T20 World Cup. They know that another upset is possible if they strike early and apply scoreboard pressure. Let’s see if CricBites predictions are right or wrong when the action opens.
The prediction is that West Indies will win if their top order fires and the bowlers execute the plans in the powerplay. Their middle order will finish strong if Shai Hope and the openers give them a platform. Scotland will have a hard time chasing if Alzarri Joseph takes an early wicket.
Scotland remain dangerous if the momentum swings early. If Mark Watt bowls tight in the middle overs and George Muncie gives them a quick start, they can win. The expected contest is that West Indies will come out on top strongly but Scotland are capable of creating tense phases if they repeat their disciplined approach from 2022.
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This Group C clash blends the temperament and firepower of the West Indies with the organised fearless style of Scotland. The West Indies have the individual talent. Scotland have the collective effort. The nervousness of the early part of the tournament and the historical context of their 2022 visit and the lively surface of Eden Gardens will make for an interesting contest.
Expect power hitting from the West Indies batsmen. Spell checking with the new ball from both sides. Spin battles in the middle overs between Watt and the West Indies spinners. Tactical adjustments throughout as the captains try to gain an advantage. Both teams know the importance of starting strong in their World Cup campaigns.
The West Indies should win this match. They have better players and more experience at this level. But Scotland are dangerous when underestimated. They will fight hard. They will not give up easily. Their 2022 win proves they can beat West Indies. If Scotland execute their plans, the match will be competitive. Cricket will be unpredictable. That’s why we are watching.
This match preview and prediction is based on current teams, historical performance and expected pitch behaviour. Cricket is unpredictable. Actual results may vary depending on toss decisions, weather and individual talent on the day. Scotland have beaten West Indies before. If all goes well, they could do so again. West Indies remain favourites but nothing is guaranteed in T20 cricket.
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