West Indies Wins First Match in 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens

The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup has started, and the West Indies team has made a winning debut. They played their first match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India. The game was part of Group C, and West Indies experienced an exciting and successful day on the cricket field. In this match, West Indies scored 182 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. Shimron Hetmyer was the top scorer for the team. He scored 64 runs from just 36 balls, hitting six sixes during his innings. His strong performance helped set a good target for Scotland. Scotland's team tried to chase the target but was unable to reach it. They were bowled out for 147 runs in 18.5 overs. Richie Berrington led Scotland's batting effort, scoring 42 runs from 24 balls. Despite his effort, Scotland fell short by 35 runs. One of the most significant moments of the match was a hat-trick taken by Romario Shepherd, a bowler for West Indies. A hat-trick means taking three wickets in three consecutive balls. Shepherd's hat-trick was the first in this tournament and made the game more memorable. He took a total of five wickets for just 20 runs in his spell of three overs. Another key performer was Jason Holder, who supported Shepherd with three wickets for 30 runs in 3.5 overs. These bowling efforts helped West Indies keep control of the game and restrict Scotland's batting. The match at Eden Gardens was also notable for its historic aspect. The hat-trick by Shepherd was not only important for the game but also marked the first hat-trick of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. It added excitement to the tournament and showcased the talent of West Indies' players. West Indies' victory was their first game in this year's tournament, and they started it successfully. Their performance demonstrated their ability to play well under pressure. Shimron Hetmyer’s outstanding batting earned him the title of Player of the Match, recognizing his crucial role in the win. As of now, there has been no official confirmation about the next matches for West Indies in the tournament. Their focus remains on preparing for upcoming games and continuing their strong start. This match at Eden Gardens is important for many reasons. It marks the beginning of the tournament and sets the tone for West Indies' campaign. The historic hat-trick is a significant achievement that may boost the team's confidence. Additionally, the performance highlights the skills of players like Hetmyer, Shepherd, and Holder. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is a major international cricket event. It gathers top teams from around the world to compete for the title. Starting with a victory gives the West Indies a positive outlook for the rest of the tournament. Fans and teams will be watching closely to see how the competition unfolds. The game also emphasizes the importance of teamwork, skill, and strategic play in cricket. Achievements like the hat-trick inspire future players and create memorable moments in sports history. As the tournament continues, teams will aim to build on their performances and secure their spots in the knockout stages. Overall, the match at Eden Gardens was a successful start for the West Indies in 2026. The team’s strong batting and bowling performances, especially the historic hat-trick, made it a match to remember. Fans are eager to see how the tournament progresses from here.