Hetmyer and Shepherd star as West Indies down Scotland

West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in their T20 World Cup opener at Kolkata. Shimron Hetmyer’s 64 lifted the Windies to 182/5, while Romario Shepherd’s 5/20, including a hat-trick, bowled out Scotland for 147 in 18.5 overs

Kolkata: Shimron Hetmyer struck a counter-attacking fifty before Romario Shepherd unleashed a stunning five-wicket burst, including a hat-trick, as two-time champions West Indies began their T20 World Cup campaign with a 35-run win over Scotland in their Group C fixture here on Saturday.

Back at the venue where they lifted their second T20 World Cup title a decade ago, West Indies were tested early before Hetmyer’s 36-ball 64 (6×6, 2×4) lifted them to a competitive 182/5.

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In reply, Shepherd blew away the lower order with a sensational spell of 5/20, bowling out Scotland for 147 in 18.5 overs. He finished the game in dramatic fashion, taking four wickets in five deliveries, including Matthew Cross, Michael Leask and Oliver Davidson off successive balls, to complete his second T20I hat-trick in four months. He later added Safyaan Sharif to register his maiden five-wicket haul.

For West Indies, who had a difficult build-up including a shock series loss to Nepal, it was redemption after their defeat to Scotland in the 2022-23 edition.

Scotland, who learnt about their participation barely two weeks before the tournament after Bangladesh’s withdrawal, showed discipline with the ball but lacked preparation in the chase. Captain Richie Berrington struck 42 off 24 balls and Tom Bruce made 35, but boundaries dried up and the asking rate kept climbing.

Jason Holder removed Berrington with a slower ball to break their 78-run stand and also became the first West Indian to complete 100 T20I wickets. Hetmyer capped his fine outing with a diving one-handed catch at cover to dismiss George Munsey.

Earlier, Scotland justified their decision to bowl with a disciplined start. Brandon King made 35 off 30 balls, while skipper Shai Hope (19) was bowled by Michael Leask. Debutant Oliver Davidson struck with his second ball, while Brad Currie was the most successful bowler with 2/23.

Hetmyer then turned the game with clean power-hitting, smashing six sixes and two fours. West Indies managed only 33 runs in the powerplay and were 66/2 at halfway, but plundered 72 runs between overs 11 and 15. Hetmyer and Rovman Powell (24 off 14) added 81 off 37 balls to seize control.