Daren Sammy’s pre-match promise of a "dance" was fulfilled at Eden Gardens as the West Indies launched their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a commanding 35-run victory over Scotland.
Despite arriving in India only 24 hours prior due to visa issues, Shimron Hetmyer showed no signs of jet lag. Promoted to No. 3-a strategic move by head coach Daren Sammy, the southpaw boosted the Windies from a stagnant Powerplay (33/0).
Hetmyer reached his half-century in just 22 balls, breaking Chris Gayle’s 17-year-old record (23 balls in 2009) for the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a West Indian.
He cleared the ropes six times, targeting debutant Oliver Davidson and Michael Leask. By the time he was dismissed in the penultimate over, the West Indies had surged to a formidable 182/5.
Kudos to him. The responsibility he's batted with... if he continues like that, he makes our batting stronger. He puts his hands up to be the man of the tournament.
Daren Sammy, Head Coach
Scotland, the late entrants replacing Bangladesh, looked to be in the hunt at 114/3 in the 13th over, led by captain Richie Berrington (42) and Tom Bruce (35). However, Romario Shepherd’s 17th over effectively ended the contest.
Shepherd dismissed Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson in three consecutive deliveries.
He finished the over with four wickets in five balls, ultimately claiming a maiden five-wicket haul (5/20) as Scotland were bundled out for 147.
Shepherd is now the 10th player in history to record a T20 World Cup hat-trick.
