The West Indies have launched their T20 World Cup campaign in explosive fashion, securing a 35-run victory over a resilient Scotland side. Despite a sluggish start that saw the Caribbean side smothered by Scottish spin early on, a masterclass in power-hitting from Shimron Hetmyer and a historic bowling performance from Romario Shepherd ensured the hosts lived up to their favorites tag.
Hetmyer’s Batting Blitz Rescues Sluggish Start
The decision by Head Coach Darren Sammy to promote Shimron Hetmyer to No. 3 proved to be a stroke of genius. Landing in the country just a day before the match due to visa complications, Hetmyer showed no signs of jet lag. After the West Indies managed a meager 33 runs in the Powerplay, Hetmyer took it upon himself to break the shackles. He targeted the Scottish spinners with ruthless efficiency, dispatching debutant Oliver Davidson and the experienced Michael Leask into the stands.
Hetmyer’s assault was a clinic in modern T20 batting. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls—the fastest ever by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history. Alongside skipper Rovman Powell, who contributed a vital 24 in an 81-run partnership, Hetmyer propelled the total to a formidable 182 for 5. While Scotland’s Brad Currie managed to apply some late-innings pressure, the damage was already done. Hetmyer finished with 64 off 36 balls, including six massive sixes that turned the momentum firmly in favor of the Men in Maroon.
Shepherd’s Historic Five-Wicket Haul and Hat-Trick Seals the Win
Scotland’s chase began with promise as Richie Berrington (42) and Tom Bruce (35) combined for a 78-run stand, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the West Indian fans nervous. However, the brilliance of Romario Shepherd eventually dismantled the Scottish middle order. Shepherd, who has become a specialist at the death, produced one of the most clinical overs in tournament history, taking four wickets in just five deliveries during the 17th over.
The highlight of the evening was Shepherd’s hat-trick—his second in T20 Internationals—where he cleaned up Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson in successive balls. His final figures of 5-20 effectively ended Scotland’s hopes, as they collapsed from a competitive position to 147 all out. Supported by Jason Holder’s 3-30, Shepherd’s performance highlighted the depth of the West Indies’ bowling attack. With this clinical opening win, the West Indies have sent a clear message to the rest of the field that they are the team to beat on home soil.
