Scotland scripted a remarkable chapter in T20 World Cup annals on Monday at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. Invited as a last-minute replacement, they demolished Italy by posting 207 for 4 after being put in to bat first. This blistering total eclipses the USA’s previous associate high of 197 for 3 against Canada in 2024, where Canada had earlier made 194.
The record chase now places Netherlands in third with their 193 for 4 versus Ireland in 2014, matched closely by Ireland’s 189 for 4 in reply. Scotland’s innings highlights the evolving competitiveness of non-Test playing nations.
The road to this World Cup was anything but ordinary for Scotland. Bangladesh’s shock pullout due to security worries advised by their government opened the door. With Bangladesh out, ICC turned to Scotland, who hadn’t qualified outright but seized the moment.
Veterans of the format, Scotland enters the fray for the seventh time, with past stints in 2007, 2009, 2016, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Their resume includes giant-killing acts against West Indies and Bangladesh, cementing their reputation as gritty underdogs.