West Indies vs Scotland: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Preview
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off, West Indies is gearing up to take on Scotland in their second match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on February 7. This highly anticipated match is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams.
Recent Performances
West Indies’ recent form has been mixed with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. On the other hand, Scotland has shown promise with three wins, one abandonment, and one loss in their recent outings.
Head-To-Head Records
In their previous encounters, West Indies and Scotland have faced each other 10 times, with each team winning five matches. This makes their upcoming clash even more exciting as both teams look to take the lead in their head-to-head record.
Toss and Pitch Report
Considering the pitch at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the team winning the toss might opt to bowl first given the batting-friendly conditions early on. The pitch offers true bounce and consistent pace, favoring stroke play and high scores, especially in T20 matches. However, spinners could come into play in the middle overs as the track slows down, while pace bowlers will need to vary their deliveries to remain effective.
Weather Outlook
On the day of the match, Kolkata is expected to have warm and dry weather with temperatures around 29-30°C. The sky is likely to be sunny to partly cloudy with minimal chances of rain. This favorable weather forecast sets the stage for an exciting and uninterrupted cricket match.
Expected Scores and Key Notes
With the pitch conditions and weather in mind, both teams will be looking to post competitive totals in the mid-150s to 180+. The key to success in this match will be strong batting performances in the powerplay and smart bowling strategies in the middle overs.
Full 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.
As these two teams gear up to face each other in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, cricket fans can expect an intense battle between West Indies and Scotland at Eden Gardens. Stay tuned for all the live action and updates from this exciting encounter.
Players to Watch
One player to watch in the West Indies squad is Shimron Hetmyer, known for his explosive batting style and ability to score quick runs. His aggressive approach at the crease can put the opposition bowlers under pressure and change the course of the game. On the other hand, Scotland’s Richie Berrington, the captain of the team, will be a key figure with his experience and leadership skills. His all-round abilities as a batsman and occasional bowler make him a crucial asset for Scotland.
Team Strategies
West Indies, known for their power-hitting and aggressive brand of cricket, is likely to look for quick runs in the powerplay overs to set a strong foundation for a big total. Their bowlers will aim to contain the opposition batsmen and take wickets at crucial junctures to put pressure on Scotland. On the other hand, Scotland will focus on building partnerships and rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking. Their bowlers will look to exploit any weaknesses in the West Indies batting lineup and restrict the flow of runs.
Key Battles
One of the key battles to watch out for in this match will be between West Indies’ spinners and Scotland’s middle-order batsmen. The likes of Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase will look to outsmart Scotland’s batsmen with their variations and control. Scotland, on the other hand, will need to tackle the spin threat effectively to build their innings and put up a competitive total.
Form Guide
West Indies will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses and regain momentum in the tournament. A win against Scotland will boost their confidence and set the tone for the rest of the competition. Scotland, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their good form and upset a strong West Indies side to make a statement in the tournament.
Final Thoughts
With both teams eager to make their mark in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the clash between West Indies and Scotland promises to be a riveting contest filled with exciting moments and intense competition. As the tournament progresses, every match becomes crucial in determining the teams’ fate, adding to the excitement and drama of T20 cricket.
Don’t miss out on the action as West Indies and Scotland battle it out on the field at Eden Gardens. Stay tuned for all the updates and highlights from what is sure to be a captivating encounter between these two talented teams.
