KOLKATA, 07 February 2026 – The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off in India, with the West Indies and Scotland facing off today at the iconic Eden Gardens. In a significant development just before the start of play, Scotland won the toss and elected to bowl first, looking to exploit any early moisture in the Kolkata pitch.
The West Indies, led by Shai Hope, are seeking to re-establish their dominance in the shortest format after a period of rebuilding. Meanwhile, Scotland enters the tournament as a “giant-killer” following their famous 42-run victory over the Caribbean side during the 2022 T20 World Cup. This Group C encounter is seen as a crucial opening fixture for both nations as they vie for a spot in the Super 8s.
Head-to-Head Records
Historically, the West Indies have held the upper hand in longer formats, but Scotland has proven to be a formidable opponent in recent T20 and ODI encounters. The following table outlines the historical records between the two sides across all major formats based on current data.
| Criterion | ODI Details | T20I Details | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| West Indies Wins | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Scotland Wins | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Tie/No Result | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Match Day Updates: T20 World Cup 2026
The atmosphere at Eden Gardens is electric as the two-time champions begin their campaign. Here are the latest updates from the ground:
- The Toss: Scotland captain Richie Berrington won the toss and chose to bowl. He cited the potential for dew later in the evening and a desire to put the West Indian power-hitters under early pressure.
- Key Players: All eyes are on Scotland’s Mark Watt, whose 3/12 in their previous T20 World Cup meeting remains a fresh memory for the Windies. For the West Indies, Shai Hope’s leadership and the explosive middle order will be vital.
- Conditions: The Kolkata weather is clear, though the humidity is expected to rise as the match progresses, potentially making the ball difficult to grip for the spinners in the second innings.
Public Sentiment and Predictions
Public opinion remains divided. While the West Indies are the traditional favourites, many cricket analysts and fans on platforms like Reddit have pointed to Scotland’s recent form against Associate and Full Member nations alike. Some insights suggest that Scotland’s familiarity with high-stakes upsets makes them the “unpredictable” factor of Group C. Predictions from various sports desks suggest a close contest if Scotland can take early wickets, though the West Indies’ depth in batting gives them a slight edge in the betting markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the West Indies vs Scotland match being played?
The match is being held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Who won the last T20 match between these two teams?
Prior to today’s game, Scotland won the last T20I encounter by 42 runs on 17 October 2022, during the T20 World Cup in Australia.
What was the result of the toss today?
Scotland won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies.
How can I watch the match in Australia?
The match is being broadcast live on major sports networks and streaming platforms holding the ICC rights for the 2026 tournament. Check local listings for exact channel details in your region.