ICC T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies vs Scotland Match Preview

Match Details:

• Date: Saturday, 7th February 2026
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Start Time: 09:30 AM GMT | 03:00 PM IST

Match Context:

The West Indies and Scotland will lock horns in what promises to be an intriguing opening Group C clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match will be the second of the day's fixtures, following Pakistan vs Netherlands, and sets the stage for Scotland’s debut in the tournament, as they replace Bangladesh in the competition.

Team Form and Strengths:

West Indies:

The West Indies have been inconsistent in the T20 format since the last World Cup, managing only 14 wins from 43 matches. However, they have the firepower and experience to pose a serious challenge. Shai Hope remains the cornerstone of the batting lineup, having amassed 2808 runs in that period with three centuries to his name. Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford provide explosive support at the top and middle, while Jason Holder continues to be a dual threat with the bat and ball.

Akeal Hosein, with 102 wickets at an average of 25.8 and an economy of 7.5, is the standout bowler, supported by Jason Holder (111 wickets) and Romario Shepherd. The West Indies' balanced squad is capable of chasing and defending with equal measure.

Scotland:

Scotland, on the other hand, have had a modest record since the last World Cup, winning only three of ten matches. However, they bring in a blend of experience and youth, with key performers such as George Munsey and Mark Watt. Munsey, who has scored 494 runs at an average of 24.7 and a strike rate of 144.02, is a proven T20 finisher and has a remarkable 22% boundary rate across 75 international innings.

Brandon McMullen, the all-rounder, has been a consistent performer, scoring 489 runs at 25.73 and taking six wickets at 40.83. Mark Watt, with nine wickets at 30.55 and an impressive strike rate of 102.3, is another key asset. The team’s top order, led by Tom Bruce and Matthew Cross, will need to fire if they are to post a competitive total.

Historical Head-to-Head:

In their only previous encounter at the 2022 World Cup, Scotland emerged victorious with a well-balanced performance from both bat and ball. George Munsey and Mark Watt were instrumental in that win, and their form will be crucial once again.

Venue Insights:

Eden Gardens has historically been a high-scoring venue, with an average first innings score of 192.85 in 2023 and 197.85 in 2024. However, the surface dipped in 2025 to an average of 168.33, suggesting that the conditions could be variable. Spinners have historically struggled more than fast bowlers, with an average of 28.90 for spinners compared to 28.03 for fast bowlers.

Batsmen will need to be careful in the middle overs, where 2.73 wickets fall on average, while the death overs (16–20) see 1.78 wickets. The toss could be pivotal, as batting first wins 51% of the time at this venue.

Key Players to Watch:

Scotland:

• George Munsey: The match-winner in their previous encounter, Munsey is a key player for Scotland. His ability to clear the boundary and accelerate the run rate is crucial.
• Mark Watt: With his ability to take wickets and contribute with the bat, Watt offers all-round value.
• Michael Leask: The experienced seamer has the ability to trouble the top order and pick up crucial wickets.

West Indies:

• Shai Hope: The experienced opener is the West Indies’ most consistent performer and can anchor the innings.
• Akeal Hosein: The leg-spinner is a wicket-taking machine and can control the middle overs effectively.
• Jason Holder: A dual threat, Holder can change the momentum of the game with his all-round skills.

PrePlay Predictions:

• Toss Winner: West Indies
• Match Winner: Scotland
• Top Batter Runs Scored: Brandon McMullen (Scotland), Shai Hope (West Indies)
• Top Bowler Wickets Taken: Michael Leask (Scotland), Akeal Hosein (West Indies)
• Most Sixes: Brandon McMullen (Scotland), Rovman Powell (West Indies)
• Player of the Match: Brandon McMullen (Scotland)
• Team Scores Batting First: Scotland 170+, West Indies 160+

Final Thoughts:

This match promises to be a tight contest between two teams with contrasting styles. Scotland, with their aggressive batting and all-round options, could give the West Indies a tough time, especially if George Munsey and Mark Watt are in form. However, the West Indies have the experience and depth to handle pressure and bounce back from a poor start. With Eden Gardens likely to offer a high-scoring pitch, the team batting second might have the slight edge.

The battle between Scotland’s firepower and West Indies’ experience will be fascinating to watch, and the outcome could set the tone for both teams’ campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2026.
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