Published on: Feb 6, 2026 3:00 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 5, 2026 6:21 pm IST
After a dramatic entry into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Scotland is all set to play their opening game of the tournament against the two-time T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. West Indies have a score to settle against Scotland, who kicked them out before the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup Super 12 stage by registering a fabulous 42-run victory. That was the only T20I meeting between the two sides, and West Indies would be hoping to avenge that loss and start their tournament campaign on a winning note. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 2nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The Scottish side has a victory over West Indies in this format, but that doesn’t mean that they are the favorites to start with. As always, on paper West Indies looks like a champion team and will come all guns blazing over Scotland, who got an entry into this World Cup after Bangladesh boycotted the tournament as they weren’t willing to play in India due to security concerns. Expect the win probability meter to favor the Caribbean side. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
WI: 73% win chance SCO: 27% win chance
The West Indian skipper will be opening the innings. He is fresh off a 40-odd in his last T20I against South Africa and also the leading run-getter for the side in the shortest format of the game in the calendar year 2025. Hope will be a crucial cog for the Caribbean side in the entire World Cup.
The southpaw has gained confidence after a good run in the recently concluded 3-match series against South Africa where he finished as the leading run-getter in the series for his side. Hetmyer has found a new slot at no 3 and has cherished his new position. He will be a premier bet in this game.
Mark Watt had a really good season with the Karnali Yaks in the Nepal Premier League. He will be a key bet at the top for the Scottish side.
Tom Bruce, the former New Zealand batter, has found a new home in the Scottish side. He will be batting in the middle order and will be a key batter for the side.
Check out our prediction for the WI vs SCO 2nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 brings an intriguing clash as West Indies face Scotland in their opening fixture at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The two-time champions, West Indies, enter this contest with a point to prove, having suffered a shocking exit at the hands of Scotland in the 2022 edition. That 42-run defeat remains the only T20I meeting between the sides, and it is a memory the Caribbean team will be eager to erase.
West Indies boast a rich legacy in T20 cricket, with explosive batting and match-winning all-rounders forming the core of their squad. Their ability to dominate in high-pressure tournaments makes them favorites to begin strongly. Scotland, however, will draw confidence from their past success and aim to replicate that giant-killing performance.
For West Indies, this match is more than just an opener—it is about redemption and setting the tone for the campaign. A convincing win would not only avenge their 2022 setback but also help them gain momentum for the upcoming fixtures of this World Cup. Fans can expect a fiery contest, but the Caribbean side will be determined to start on a winning note.
Scotland’s journey into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been anything but ordinary. Their entry came after Bangladesh decided to boycott the tournament, citing security concerns over playing in India. For Scotland, this unexpected opportunity is a golden chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage of T20 cricket.
The Scottish side has steadily grown in stature over the past decade, earning respect for their fearless brand of cricket and ability to spring surprises against higher-ranked teams. Their famous victories over full-member nations in past ICC events underline their potential to upset stronger opponents. With experienced campaigners in the squad and promising youngsters eager to make a mark, Scotland will aim to use this platform to prove they belong among the elite.
Playing at iconic venues like Eden Gardens and Sinhalese Sports Club will test their adaptability, but it also offers them exposure to conditions that demand skill and composure. For Scotland, every match is an opportunity to learn something new and take one step at a time towards a possible entry into the Super 8 stage. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 1 SCO won: 0 WI won: 1 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form SCOTLAND: W AB W L L RECENT form WEST INDIES: L W L L W
The Scottish side has locked horns against the Caribbean team only once in T20 history. Surprisingly, it was Scotland who stunned the West Indies by 42 runs and also threw them out of the Super 12s in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.
How will the two teams, i.e., West Indies and Scotland, fare in the 2nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Michael Jones, George Munsey, Brandon McMullen, Tom Bruce, Richie Berrington (C), Mark Watt, Matthew Cross (WK), Brad Currie, Brad Wheal, Sufiyan Sharif, Chris Greaves
Shai Hope (C/WK), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between West Indies and Scotland at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata:
At Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the dimensions of the ground are tailor-made for the batters. With the trend going on, both captains may prefer chasing. West Indies, with their power hitters, won’t mind bowling first, while Scotland might back runs on the board. Expect a tactical call shaping the contest
The online live streaming of the 2nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
West Indies have a better squad compared to Scotland. They surely did lose to this very opponent in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have the strength to topple the Scottishmen. The two-time champions boast a strong squad and should start as the favorites in this game. Therefore, as per our prediction, West Indies is expected to win the WI vs SCO, 2nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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