The second match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 promises early drama as two-time champions West Indies lock horns with fearless Scotland in a crucial Group C encounter. With recent history favoring the European side, this clash at Eden Gardens is far from a one-sided contest.
West Indies vs Scotland Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies vs Scotland, Match 2 |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, 7 February 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
WI vs SCO Pitch & Weather Report
Eden Gardens is renowned for high-scoring T20 games, thanks to its lightning-fast outfield and true bounce. However, an afternoon start changes the dynamics slightly.
- Pitch Nature: Batting-friendly early, but expected to slow down as the match progresses
- Spin Factor: Spinners should enjoy grip and turn in the middle overs
- Pacers: Likely to get some movement with the new ball
- Average Competitive Score: 180+ batting first
- Weather: Clear skies, around 26°C, low humidity
- Dew Factor: None expected
Teams winning the toss may still opt to bat first and post a challenging total.
West Indies vs Scotland Probable Playing XI
West Indies
- Brandon King
- Shai Hope (C & WK)
- Johnson Charles
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Rovman Powell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Romario Shepherd
- Jason Holder
- Akeal Hosein
- Gudakesh Motie
- Shamar Joseph / Jayden Seales
Scotland
- George Munsey
- Michael Jones
- Brandon McMullen
- Richie Berrington (C)
- Matthew Cross (WK)
- Michael Leask
- Chris Greaves
- Mark Watt
- Safyaan Sharif
- Bradley Currie
- Brad Wheal
WI vs SCO Dream11 Fantasy Preview
Fantasy players should focus on spin-friendly options and top-order batters, given the Eden Gardens surface.
Top Fantasy Picks
- Shai Hope (WI): Consistent run-scorer and safe wicketkeeping points
- Shimron Hetmyer (WI): Explosive middle-order batter with IPL experience
- Jason Holder (WI): Valuable all-rounder, effective at the death
- Mark Watt (SCO): Smart left-arm spinner, proven success against WI
- George Munsey (SCO): Aggressive opener who can dominate the powerplay
Suggested Dream11 Combination
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Shai Hope (C) |
| Batters | Shimron Hetmyer (VC), George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Brandon King |
| All-rounders | Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Brandon McMullen |
| Bowlers | Akeal Hosein, Mark Watt, Gudakesh Motie |
West Indies vs Scotland Match Analysis
Scotland may be lower-ranked, but they carry psychological confidence after beating West Indies in the 2022 T20 World Cup and again in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers. Their disciplined bowling, especially spin, has troubled the Caribbean side before.
West Indies, however, arrive with:
- Greater power-hitting depth
- Bowlers familiar with Indian conditions
- Stronger overall squad balance
If Scotland’s spinners fail to control the middle overs, the match could slip away quickly.
WI vs SCO Match Prediction
Despite Scotland’s giant-killing reputation, West Indies start as clear favorites due to their experience, explosive batting lineup, and adaptability to subcontinent pitches.
Predicted Winner: West Indies
Win Probability: 80–85%
Still, in T20 cricket, one inspired spell or a blistering powerplay can flip the script — making this Group C clash a must-watch early tournament showdown.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Match previews, team analysis, predictions, and fantasy cricket suggestions are based on available data, recent performances, pitch conditions, and expert analysis at the time of writing. Actual match results may vary due to factors such as team selection, player form on match day, weather conditions, and on-field decisions.
Fantasy cricket tips and Dream11 suggestions are not guaranteed outcomes and should be used as guidance only. Readers are advised to make their own informed decisions before participating in fantasy sports or any related activities. The author and publisher do not take responsibility for any losses incurred.
All player statistics and records mentioned are subject to official updates by cricket governing bodies and tournament organizers.
Team Cricket Duniya is a dedicated group of sports and entertainment writers specializing in cricket news, match previews, reviews, and in-depth analysis. With strong domain expertise and a passion for the game, the team delivers accurate, timely, and well-researched content covering international cricket, domestic tournaments, and trending sports stories. Alongside cricket, the team also covers key developments in sports entertainment, ensuring readers receive reliable insights and engaging coverage from the world of sports and entertainment.
