Seam-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd’s exceptional performance, including a hat-trick, led West Indies to a 35-run victory over Scotland in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Shepherd’s spell of 5-20, which included four wickets in five balls during the death overs, was crucial in securing the win.
Shimron Hetmyer’s impressive 64 runs set the stage for West Indies’ total of 182/5. Despite Scotland’s strong start in the chase, reaching 115/3, Shepherd’s hat-trick, the first in the ongoing tournament and the tenth in the competition’s history, turned the tide in West Indies’ favor.
Jason Holder’s milestone 100th T20I wicket, coupled with Shepherd’s second hat-trick in T20 format, dismantled Scotland’s innings. The collapse saw Scotland lose their last seven wickets for just 32 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 147 in 18.5 overs.
Scotland’s struggle against Holder’s movement under lights and Shepherd’s fiery bowling was evident as they lost wickets early on. Despite a brief partnership between Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce, West Indies’ bowlers, led by Shepherd and Holder, dominated the latter stages of the match, ensuring a winning start for the West Indies team.
