In an impressive start to their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, the West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs in a Group C match held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7. West Indies fast bowler Romario Shepherd shone above the rest, claiming a hat-trick and becoming the ninth player in the tournament's history to achieve this feat. His performance was particularly notable as this hat-trick marked the tenth in the history of the T20 World Cup, showcasing Shepherd's potential as a rising star in international cricket.

Shepherd's hat-trick came in spectacular fashion during the 17th over of Scotland's innings, where he sensationally dismissed Matthew Cross, Michael Leask, and Oliver Davidson with three consecutive deliveries. Following this achievement, he continued his impressive performance by claiming a fourth wicket, that of Safyaan Sharif, within the same over, thoroughly dismantling the Scottish batting order and propelling his team towards a comfortable victory.

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as the first-ever hat-trick in T20 World Cup history was executed by Australian fast bowler Brett Lee against Bangladesh in 2007. Lee's record highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and sets a benchmark for future performances. As Romario Shepherd joins the ranks of distinguished players with such a record, his future in international cricket looks promising, adding excitement for fans and analysts alike as the tournament progresses.