Himron Heitmeyer West Indies put up a brilliant knock as they posted 182 runs for 5 in their second T20 World Cup match against Scotland at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. The left-hander smashed 64 runs in just 36 deliveries, stabilizing the innings after a shaky start. Scotland enter the World Cup under unusual circumstances, having been selected only two weeks ago after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament citing security concerns for their trip to India. Despite the short notice, the Scots showed discipline soon after winning the toss and electing to bowl.
Their bowlers kept the two-time champions West Indies in check by applying pressure with a tight line in the powerplay. Brandon King Safyaan Sharif, who was the first to break free, hit a six and two fours in the seventh over to inject momentum. King eventually scored 35 points as Scotland fought back. Off-spinner Michael Leask breaks through, dismisses skipper Shay Hope 19. Soon after, debutant left-arm spinner Oliver Davidson claimed his first T20 wicket when King was caught at backward point. Hetmyer then took control of the innings, launching a fierce counterattack against the Scotland bowling. He broke the ropes six times and completed a quick partnership of 81 runs off just 37 balls. Roffman Powellhe contributed 24 goals. Hetmyer scored his half-century off just 22 balls, scoring a total of six. This is the fastest 50-run score by a West Indies batsman in the T20 World Cup. Although Powell fell in the final round, the aggression did not drop. Hetmyer continued to find boundaries with Sherfane Rutherford, who hit a quick 26 off 13 balls. Heitmyer’s inning ended when Safiyaan Sharif forced an errant hit, which was brilliantly caught by Brandon McMullen on a long pitch. Rutherford departed on the very first ball of the next over. Left-arm seamer Brad Currie was Scotland’s most economical bowler with 2 for 23. Looking back on his innings, Heitmyer acknowledged that conditions were testing. “It’s a mixed bag because of how hot it is. I don’t know about other people but I asked the referee and he said he didn’t feel too good but I think we can get back to playing during the day and night,” he said. When talking about his partnership with Powell, Heitmeier emphasized the clarity of approach. “It’s just batting with a clear mind. Every ball that’s bowled, you can take chances, if not just try to limit penalties, which is something we talk about as a team and the batting unit. Limit penalties as much as possible. Because we’re a boundary batting team and everyone knows that, but just the singles and penalties we were a little short on and glad it worked in our favor today.“ Heitmeier also attributed his performance to improved conditioning. “I think it’s (being healthier). I’ve been working on it a little bit at home. My coach is my wife and she’s pushing me at home to work harder and so far, it’s been great and I’m excited to be out on the park and contribute as much as I can for the team.”
