T20 World Cup 2026: With IPL exposure, West Indies will have the advantage over Scotland

Daren Sammy, who captained West Indies to its last title victory at the Eden Gardens a decade ago, will be keen to repeat the achievement as a coach as the two-time champion begins its World Cup T20 campaign against last-minute entrant Scotland in a Group-C match in Kolkata on Saturday (February 7, 2026).

West Indies, comprising several professionals who play T20 league cricket all over the world, has selected an experienced and well-balanced squad — including two 2016 World Cup winners, back-up wicketkeeper-batter Johnson Charles and all-rounder Jason Holder, and 10 from the 2024 edition’s side.

Skipper Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford provide muscle to the Caribbeans’ batting.

Mathew Forde, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales lead the pace attack along with Holder and Romario Shepherd. Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie provide options in spin.

With their Indian Premier League (IPL) exposure, the Caribbeans will have the advantage of knowing the conditions well.

Bangladesh’s withdrawal gave Scotland an unexpected opportunity to play its second consecutive World Cup. The Richie Berrington-led side has retained a majority of its squad that narrowly missed a berth in the Super Eight two years ago.

Scotland’s preparedness may not be ideal this time, but its players, following their rush to board a flight to India, gathered inputs about the conditions from Afghanistan internationals during a practice match in Bengaluru.

Young Afghan-born pacer Zainullah Ihsan is an exciting addition to the Scottish attack, also consisting of speedsters Brad Currie, Safyaan Sharif and Brad Wheel and seasoned spinners Chris Greaves and Mark Watt.

Berrington, Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross and Michael Jones are among the leading batters of the team, which also includes all-rounders Michael Leask and Brandon McMullen.

Having won its solitary World Cup meeting with West Indies in 2022, Scotland would love to maintain its upper hand despite the odds.