West Indies vs Scotland T20 World Cup highlights: Hat-trick hero Romario Shepherd leads West Indies' win

The West Indies produced a performance worthy of champions, asserting control for most of the contest against Scotland to launch their tournament in emphatic fashion. The highlight of the night was a moment of pure class from Romario Shepherd, whose hat-trick was nothing short of sublime. More than just brilliance, it reflected his growing understanding of Indian conditions — an awareness that proved decisive and underlined West Indies’ authority throughout the game.

From what we’ve seen so far, pace is clearly the preferred option under the lights in Kolkata. The bowlers who have mixed up their speeds have found immediate success, while spin has been taken apart throughout the night. With West Indies operating with four frontline pacers, supported by Rovman Powell as well, they appear well equipped to control the contest and potentially close this game out on their own terms.

The innings began with positive intent as George Munsey opened his account with a boundary. The early momentum was checked when Jason Holder struck, forcing Matthew Jones to pick out deep square leg. Munsey briefly lifted the tempo by launching the first six of the innings with a pull shot, but the pressure told soon after. Brandon McMullen failed to execute a scoop and was dismissed, before a sharp piece of fielding from Shimron Hetmyer ended Munsey’s stay with a superb catch.

That brings Tom Bruce into focus. His numbers against the West Indies aren’t flattering — just 28 runs in three outings — but with wickets down early, his team will be counting on him to provide some much-needed solidity.

It wasn’t the greatest delivery by any stretch, but Romario Shepherd won’t mind the result as he picks up a valuable wicket. Brandon McMullen never really got hold of the scoop attempt — the opportunity was there, but the execution fell short. As the innings progresses, those technical frailties may well be starting to show under pressure today.

Michael Jones had the right intention there as he looked to target the shorter boundary in the deep square-leg region. But he just could not time it well enough to ensure that the ball covered enough ground. 

It was a topsy-turvy start for the West Indies, especially after the confidence with which they opened the game. Momentum slipped early, but Shimron Hetmyer played a crucial role in steadying the innings and leading the fightback once the powerplay ended. With a total in excess of 180 on the board, the responsibility now shifts firmly to the bowlers, who will be aiming to deliver the ideal start in the second innings and put the opposition under immediate pressure.

Often times during the IPL, Shimron Hetmyer has not really had the chance to shine considering how he was classified as an out-and-out finisher. But with the No.3 role, the southpaw is showing some real tenancy for the role and who knows, might open up avenues in the future as well in the IPL. 

West Indies’ “keep it calm” approach has backfired early. Brandon King becomes the second opener to fall, and it’s starting to feel like playing too safe is doing more damage than good.

Both wickets have come with the same shadow: waiting too long, searching for gaps instead of going big. Now it’s on Shimron Hetmyer and the middle order to change the tempo before Scotland tighten the squeeze.

West Indies have started with real intent here. Brandon King and Shai Hope are doing the classic T20 opener’s job: a boundary when it’s there, singles when it’s not, and zero panic.

Scotland haven’t handed out freebies, but they also haven’t found that big “moment” ball yet. And with this Windies batting line-up, they know one early wicket could be the difference before the gears properly shift into overdrive.