West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 promises high drama as the two-time champions face a resilient underdog in their Group C opener at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Scotland’s dramatic late entry after Bangladesh’s withdrawal adds intrigue to this February 7, 2026 showdown.
This day-night fixture at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT) marks the first India-hosted game of the tournament. Fans can catch the action live on Star Sports Network in India or stream via JioHotstar.
Scotland’s story inspires: invited just weeks ago due to Bangladesh’s refusal to participate over venue and security issues, the Scots scrambled visas, kit, and sponsorship. Despite limited prep—including warm-up losses—they draw from past giant-killings, like their 2022 win over West Indies.
West Indies, hosting memories of their 2016 triumph here (Carlos Brathwaite’s famous four sixes), aim to start strong under captain Shai Hope and coach Daren Sammy. Without Nicholas Pooran, their batting depth remains potent.
Can Scotland pull off another upset on a high-scoring pitch? Let’s dive deep.
Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Venue Guide and Historical Significance
Eden Gardens stands as cricket’s cathedral, with a capacity of around 63,000. Nicknamed the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” it features the High Court End and Pavilion End. Home to Bengal and IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders, the stadium evokes passion from roaring crowds.
Historically, Eden Gardens hosted the 2016 T20 World Cup final, where West Indies stunned England. Daren Sammy lifted the trophy as captain—memories he’ll relive as coach.
While T20Is here are limited, IPL trends show a batter’s paradise. Recent seasons featured massive totals, with short boundaries aiding six-hitters.
Key T20/IPL Records at Eden Gardens
| Statistic | Record/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Total (IPL) | 262/2 (Punjab Kings vs KKR, 2024) | Highest in IPL history |
| Average 1st Innings (Recent IPL) | ~166-199 (varies by year; high in 2025 afternoon games) | Flat, true bounce |
| Lowest Team Total (T20I/IPL) | 49 (RCB vs KKR, 2017) | Rare collapse |
| Matches Won Batting First (IPL) | ~42% (out of ~100) | Chasing often preferred |
| Highest Individual Score | 112* (Rajat Patidar, 2022) | Explosive knocks common |
The venue’s black-soil pitch offers consistent bounce early, favoring stroke-makers. Atmosphere peaks under floodlights for day-night thrill.
For more venue stats ESPNcricinfo.
Pitch Report, Dew Factor, and Toss Prediction for WI vs SCO T20 World Cup 2026
Eden Gardens’ pitch typically favors batsmen: flat track with good pace and bounce initially, slowing later for spinners. Recent IPL afternoon games averaged near 199 first innings, with 200+ totals defended narrowly or chased easily.
Dew Factor: Heavy evening dew impacts the second innings—ball slips, grip falters, yorkers toughen. Chasing becomes easier; teams winning the toss often bowl first (historical 80-90% advantage in dewy conditions).
Par Score Prediction: 180-200+ likely on this batting-friendly surface. Power-hitters thrive; spinners like Mark Watt or Akeal Hosein may struggle post-dew.
Toss Impact: Bowl first if winning toss. Dew neutralizes spin in death overs—key for both attacks.
Will dew help Scotland chase if West Indies post big? Tactical edge tilts toward fielding first.
Kolkata Weather Forecast: February 7, 2026
Pleasant February weather awaits: sunny skies, highs 26-30°C, lows around 16-18°C. Low humidity (~40-50%), no rain chance.
Ideal for cricket: fast outfield, clear visibility, full match expected. Evening drop aids dew formation—perfect for a run-fest under lights.
Compared to past February games, conditions suit high-scoring T20s.
Squad Analysis and Probable Playing XI: West Indies vs Scotland
Scotland Squad (15-man, full fitness despite rush):
Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Brad Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal, Zainullah Ihsan.
Strengths: Settled top order, all-rounders like McMullen/Leask. Weakness: Limited prep, warm-up struggles.
Probable Scotland XI:
- George Munsey
- Michael Jones
- Brandon McMullen
- Richie Berrington (c)
- Tom Bruce
- Matthew Cross (wk)
- Michael Leask
- Mark Watt
- Brad Currie/Safyaan Sharif
- Chris Greaves/Brad Wheal
- Safyaan Sharif/Brad Wheal
West Indies Squad:
Shai Hope (c/wk), Johnson Charles (wk), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Strengths: Explosive batting, experienced all-rounders. Weakness: Bowling lighter without Pooran; form dips recently.
Probable West Indies XI:
- Shai Hope (c/wk)
- Brandon King
- Shimron Hetmyer/Johnson Charles
- Roston Chase
- Rovman Powell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
- Jason Holder
- Akeal Hosein
- Gudakesh Motie
- Jayden Seales/Shamar Joseph/Matthew Forde
Hetmyer arrived late but available—likely slots in.
Players to Watch and Key Battles in West Indies vs Scotland
Brandon McMullen (Scotland): All-round star—60 off 34 vs Australia (2024), 95 off 39 warm-up. Bats No. 3, bowls Powerplay seam.
George Munsey (Scotland): Destructive opener; starred in 2022 upset.
Mark Watt (Scotland): Left-arm spinner; key in 2022 win over WI.
Jason Holder (West Indies): Nears 100 T20I wickets—leads attack, death specialist.
Shai Hope (West Indies): Captain/wk; massive 2025 runs.
Shimron Hetmyer/Rovman Powell (West Indies): Middle-order fireworks.
Key Battles:
- Munsey vs Holder: Aggressive opener vs experienced pacer.
- McMullen vs Hosein/Motie: Power vs spin control.
- Watt vs Powell/Rutherford: Spin vs power-hitting.
- Hope vs Scottish seamers: Anchor vs early swing.
These duels decide momentum.
West Indies vs Scotland Head-to-Head Records and Past Encounters
Only one T20I meeting: Scotland won by 42 runs (2022 T20 World Cup, Hobart). Munsey and Watt starred.
Head-to-Head Table
| Matches | Scotland Wins | West Indies Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Scotland’s giant-killing history: 2021 Super 12s (beat Bangladesh), near-misses vs England/Australia (2022/2024). West Indies inconsistent post-2016.
Kolkata conditions differ from Hobart—higher scores expected.
Recent Form, Team Strategies, and Big Picture
Scotland Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is): L L W W L (warm-ups losses; earlier wins vs Nepal/Netherlands).
Rushed prep: indoor training, sudden travel. Strategy: Aggressive Powerplay (Munsey/McMullen), spin squeeze (Watt/Leask), death resilience.
West Indies Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is): W L L W L (mixed vs SA/Afghanistan).
Strategy: Explosive top/middle, Holder-led pace, spin duo (Hosein/Motie). Big picture: Channel 2016 underdog spirit; aim Super 8s.
Scotland draws Denmark 1992 Euros parallel—late invite, potential glory.
WI vs SCO Match Prediction and Final Thoughts
West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 West Indies favorites (65-75% chance): superior depth, conditions familiarity, batting firepower.
Scotland upset possible (25-35%): if posting 170+ batting first or chasing under dew, exploiting 2022 blueprint.
Key factors: Toss (bowl first), top-order starts, dew impact.
T20’s magic lies in unpredictability—Scotland could shock again.
FAQs for West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Preview
1. When and where is the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled? The West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Match, Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is on February 7, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India.
2. How can I watch West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 live in India? West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 In India, the match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar app/website.
3. What is the head-to-head record between West Indies and Scotland in T20Is? West Indies and Scotland have played only one T20I, with Scotland winning by 42 runs in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Hobart.
4. What is the Eden Gardens pitch report for West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026? Eden Gardens offers a flat, batting-friendly pitch with good pace and bounce. Recent IPL afternoon games averaged ~199 in the first innings, making it a high-scoring venue.
5. Will dew play a role in the West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 match at Eden Gardens? Yes, heavy evening dew is expected in this day-night game, making bowling second difficult. Teams winning the toss usually prefer to bowl first.
6. Who are the probable playing XIs for West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026? West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Scotland (possible): Munsey, Jones, McMullen, Berrington (c), Bruce, Cross (wk), Leask, Watt, Currie/Wheal, Sharif, Wheal. West Indies (possible): Hope (c/wk), King, Hetmyer/Charles, Chase, Powell, Rutherford, Shepherd, Holder, Hosein, Motie, Seales/Joseph/Forde.
7. Which players to watch in West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026? Key players include Brandon McMullen and George Munsey for Scotland, and Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell for West Indies.
8. What is the weather forecast for Kolkata on February 7, 2026, for the T20 World Cup match? Sunny conditions with temperatures around 26–30°C, low humidity, and no chance of rain—ideal for a full, high-scoring game.
9. Who is predicted to win West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 match? West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 West Indies are favourites (65–75% chance) due to deeper batting and experience in Indian conditions, but Scotland can cause an upset if they post or chase 170+.
10. Why is Scotland playing in the T20 World Cup 2026 after missing qualification? Scotland received a late invitation to replace Bangladesh, who withdrew citing venue and security concerns, making this a dramatic underdog story.