The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata was bathed in West Indies flair this Saturday as the Caribbean side kicked off their Group C campaign against Scotland in the T20 World Cup 2026. In a match defined by historic milestones and explosive hitting, Shimron Hetmyer stole the spotlight, etching his name into the record books by surpassing a legendary mark set by the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle.
The atmosphere was electric as Scotland won the toss and elected to field, hoping to utilize the evening dew. However, what followed was a masterclass in modern T20 batting from the West Indies, who posted a formidable 182/5 in their 20 overs, firmly asserting their dominance on the global stage.
Shimron Hetmyer surpasses Chris Gayle entering into an elite list for West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026
The defining moment of the innings arrived in the 14th over. Hetmyer, known for his flair and fearless approach, faced Oliver Davidson with the intent of a man on a mission. On the third ball of the over, Davidson attempted to hide the ball on the tramlines wide outside off. Hetmyer, showing incredible balance and reach, launched an exquisite inside-out drive over the covers.
As the ball cleared the rope for a six, the scoreboard confirmed a piece of history: Hetmyer reached his 50 off just 22 balls.
By doing so, he officially broke the record for the fastest 50 by a West Indian in a T20 World Cup. The previous record was held by Gayle, who smashed a 23-ball half-century against Australia way back in June 2009. Surpassing a titan like Gayle in such a prestigious tournament places Hetmyer in an elite bracket of Caribbean power-hitters. His final tally of 64 runs off 36 balls, laced with 5 massive sixes, provided the backbone of the West Indian charge.
West Indies assert dominance with comprehensive total
The West Indian innings was a tale of two halves. The Powerplay was uncharacteristically steady, with Brandon King (35) and captain Shai Hope (19) putting on 54 for the first wicket in 8.2 overs. At the halfway mark, the score stood at a modest 62/2, leaving the match finely balanced.
The momentum shifted violently after the drinks break. Hetmyer joined forces with Rovman Powell (24 off 14) to dismantle the Scottish bowling attack. The duo added 50 runs in just 19 balls, a whirlwind partnership that left the Scots scrambling for answers.
Despite a late flurry of wickets—including a double-strike by Safyaan Sharif and Brad Currie in the final overs but the damage was already done. Sherfane Rutherford’s brisk 26 and a finishing touch from Romario Shepherd ensured the Windies reached a total with a current win probability of 56.5%. As the players headed into the innings break, the talk of Kolkata wasn’t just the score, but the coronation of Hetmyer as the new king of Caribbean speed-hitting.
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