Shimron Hetmyer scored a quick fifty, and Romario Shepherd took five wickets, including a hat-trick, as West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in their T20 World Cup opener on Saturday.
Playing at the same venue where they won their last T20 World Cup, West Indies initially faced some challenges. Hetmyer hit 64 runs off 36 balls (6 sixes, 2 fours), helping the team reach 182/5. In response, Shepherd’s outstanding bowling performance of 5/20 led to Scotland being bowled out for 147 in 18.5 overs.
Shepherd ended the match dramatically with four wickets in just five balls, claiming the scalps of Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson in succession to achieve his second T20I hat-trick in four months.
He later added Safyaan Sharif to complete his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing with exceptional figures of 5/20 in three overs. This match offered some redemption for West Indies, especially after their surprising loss to Scotland in the previous World Cup.
Scotland, who found out about their tournament participation just two weeks prior due to Bangladesh’s withdrawal, showed promise but struggled with preparation during the match.
Having trained indoors during a snowy winter, Scotland had limited chances for outdoor practice, only getting proper sessions during warm-ups in Bengaluru, India.
Captain Berrington scored 42 off 24 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), while Tom Bruce added 35 from 28 balls (1 four, 2 sixes). However, with boundaries hard to come by, the asking rate increased. Jason Holder dismissed Berrington with a slower ball, becoming the first West Indian bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets.
Hetmyer also impressed with a stunning one-handed catch at cover to dismiss opener George Munsey, adding to West Indies’ solid start. Earlier, Scotland opted to bowl and began with a disciplined performance.
