As the grand global event of T20 cricket is back after 2 years of a historic 2024 World T20 where India lifted the title after a wait of 17 long years, it is time for India and Sri Lanka share the honor to host 20 nations around the world for the 2026 World T20 tournament! On the opening day of this season, veterans West Indies met late entrants Scotland in an electrifying contest at the evening game in Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium, Kolkata.

Batting first, West Indies batters had a modest start in front of energetic Scotland bowlers, as they were restricted to 58/2 at the end of 10 overs. But, then came the power hitter Shimron Hetmyer who played an elegant knock of 64 runs off 36 deliveries, including 6 sixes he pumped at all parts of the ground. His onslaught helped Windies reach 182/5 at the end of the designated 20 overs, as Scotland pacer Brad Currie returned with a bowling figure of 2/23.

It was time for Scotland to begin the chase of 183, and their middle order batters Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce built a solid partnership of 78 off 46 deliveries that seemed like good enough for Scotland to produce an upset here in Kolkata. However, it was Caribbean allrounder Romario Shepherd who executed a brilliant hat-trick including 4 wickets from 5 deliveries, and ended up with the first fifer of the tournament (5/20) as Scotland was bundled for 147 all out. West Indies began their campaign with a stylish victory by 35 runs.

Despite being a neutral game for the Indian crowd here in Kolkata, about 10K fans attended the game, to cheer for both Windies and Scotland teams. The energy at stadium was electric, as the mood of T20 cricket set in early.

There were multiple amenities present at the cricket stadium such as free drinking water, clean urinals and toilet facilities, food stalls from reputed brands, merchandise shops, first-aid kits and a replica of Indian cricketer Axar Patel's brilliant 10-feet high catch from the 2024 World T20 match versus England.

Are you planning to watch any T20 World Cup game this time in India? Which player are you looking out for this edition? Share your choice in the comments.