ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies vs Scotland - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses
Led by Shai Hope, the West Indies seek resurgence after a decade of underperformance. Scotland, making their fifth consecutive appearance, hopes for a strong start despite warm-up losses.
Last Updated: 02.00 PM, Feb 05, 2026
Two-time World Champions West Indies, will look to regain their supremacy in the shortest format of international cricket when they take on Scotland in the Group C opener at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 7th February. Scotland, which made an 11th-hour entry in the tournament, will also look to prove their worth during their mega clash.
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Current scenarios of the West Indies and Scotland
It has been nearly ten years since the West Indies last qualified for the knockouts of the ICC World Cup. The two-time world champions last qualified for the knockouts in 2016 when they claimed their second title in Kolkata, where they will play most of their matches in this edition.
Currently led by Shai Hope, they will be hopeful for a resurgence of their previous glory with some of the biggest stars of T20 cricket. After a tightly fought series defeat against South Africa during their preparation for the T20 World Cup, the West Indies squad will hopefully look to start the campaign on a high note against a weaker Scotland.
In the meantime, for Scotland, it will be their fifth consecutive appearance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. After the removal of Bangladesh from the mega event, Scotland was called as a replacement in Group C alongside England, the West Indies, and Italy.
After losing both of their warm-up games against Afghanistan and Namibia will also look for a fresh start during the World Cup.
Squad analysis - West Indies vs Scotland
If the West Indies want to do well during the T20 World Cup 2026, their top-order batters will have to do the major work. Captain Shai Hope will have to perform with the bat, along with being a clinical leader. Top-order batters Brandon King and an informed Shimran Hatuamyar, who will have the fortune of their country in their hands.
Romario Shepherd and Sharfian Rutherford will provide the lower-order hitting, along with being important all-rounders of the team.
Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, and Shamar Joseph will have to do the bulk of the bowling to restrict the opposition to lower totals. It'll be interesting to see what the surface at Eden Gardens provides and what combination the West Indies team goes for against Scotland in their opening match.
Meantime, for the Scottish side, experienced captain, Richie Berrington, who has a T20I international ton against his name, will be the key man with the bat. Along with him, Brandon McMullen will be another batter to watch out for them.
In the bowling department, Mark Watt, who is 11 dismissals away from reaching 100 T20I wickets, will hold the key for Scotland.
Read also: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs Netherlands - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses
Squads
West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Scotland: Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal. Travelling reserves: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis. Non-travelling reserves: Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear.