Scotland’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign began with both encouragement and frustration, as they went down by 35 runs to a powerful West Indies side in Kolkata, a margin that did not fully reflect how long the contest remained in the balance.

After asking West Indies to bat first on an Eden Gardens surface offering grip and value for disciplined bowling, Scotland delivered an assured performance through the first half of the innings. Brandon King and Shai Hope were restricted to just over a run-a-ball. After 8 overs, the West Indies openers had put on 54, and when both fell in consecutive overs, Michael Leask removing Hope (19) before debutant Olly Davidson claimed his first international wicket by dismissing King (35), West Indies found themselves 58 for 2 at the halfway stage.

At that point, Scotland had every reason to feel in control.

Shimron Hetmyer, however, changed the game. Walking in with the innings threatening to stall, the left-hander produced a blistering counterattack, capitalising on two early reprieves before launching six sixes in a 36-ball 64. His 22-ball half-century, the fastest by a West Indian in men’s T20 World Cup history, swung momentum decisively, particularly through a punishing stand of 81 in just 37 deliveries with Rovman Powell.

Scotland did come together at the death. Brad Currie was outstanding, finishing with 2 for 23 and removing both Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, while Brandon McMullen’s full-stretch boundary catch to dismiss Hetmyer in the 19th over was among the moments of the match. Still, West Indies closed on a formidable 182 for 5, a total that felt slightly inflated given Scotland’s control for long periods.

Richie Berrington reflected on those fine margins afterwards, “Our first 20 overs in the field were really good. Coming off at halfway we were pretty confident we could chase that down, particularly in those conditions. Losing two set batters in quick time just changed the momentum.”

Scotland’s reply never quite settled. Early wickets inside the powerplay, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen and George Munsey all departing with the score at 37 for 3, forced the chase onto the back foot. Jones and Munsey were both caught on the boundary, the latter was dismissed courtesy a blinder by Hetmyer, while McMullen ramped one back on to his stumps as he tried to find the fine leg fence.

Yet again, Scotland’s experience showed. Berrington and Tom Bruce countered superbly, adding 78 in just 46 balls. Berrington and Bruce used the cut, pull and swept with aplomb to bring Scotland firmly into the contest

At 115 for 3, with the asking rate dipping below 10, Scotland, who were not even supposed to be at the World Cup, were sniffing at a win against two-time World Champions.

However, crucial interventions tilted the game away. Jason Holder had Berrington caught at deep cover for a well-made 42 from 24 balls, before Gudakesh Motie trapped Bruce (35) in front.

Romario Shepherd then delivered the decisive blow, ripping through the lower order with a four wickets in an over, including a hat-trick, as Scotland slipped from 133 for 5 to 133 for 9.

Scotland were eventually bowled out for 147, a result that left a sense of what might have been.

The discipline with the ball, the composure in the middle overs, and signs that their batting depth that can absorb early damage were certainly positive takeaways for Berrington's side.

Next Scotland will be up against Italy, who are making their maiden appearance at an ICC event on Monday in Kolkata.