Shimron Hetmyer Breaks Chris Gayle's Record, Becomes Fastest...

West Indies top order batter Shimron Hetmyer lit up the contest with a breathtaking attack on the Scottish bowling, bringing up his fifty from just 22 deliveries in Match 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens, which is one of the best cricket stadiums in the world.

The explosive knock saw the left-hander create West Indies’ T20 World Cup history, surpassing Chris Gayle’s long-standing record for the fastest half-century by a Caribbean batter at the tournament. Gayle had set the record with a 23-ball fifty against Australia at The Oval in 2009.

Shimron Hetmyer Breaks Chris Gayle's Record

Shimron Hetmyer rewrote the record books by registering the fastest 50 in T20 World Cup for West Indies. He showed why he is considered as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world as he reached the milestone in just 22 balls, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by Gayle, who had reached the 50-run mark off 23 balls against Australia at The Oval in 2009.

Hetmyer entered the innings when the West Indies were struggling to take charge of the innings, with both openers, Shai Hope and Brandon King, unable to provide a quick start. However, Hetmyer's clean ball-striking and fearless intent took control of the innings and dragged the West Indies out of the slow run-rate phase.

Alongside Rovman Powell, he stitched together a crucial 81-run stand for the third wicket. Shimron Hetmyer fastest 50 record was the highlight of the innings as he transferred the pressure onto the bowling side. Just as he appeared set for an even bigger innings, there was a sudden twist at Eden Gardens.

Safyaan Sharif delivered a high full toss, and Hetmyer attempted to muscle it towards the wide mid-wicket boundary. However, Brandon McMullen sprinted across and timed his slide to perfection and completed an outstanding catch. Despite getting dismissed, Shimron Hetmyer T20 World Cup record marked an important personal milestone for him.

West Indies Begin Their Campaign With a Dominating Performance

Two-time champions West Indies started their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a dominant note by defeating Scotland in the second match of the tournament at Eden Gardens. Batting first, the Caribbean side posted a decent total of 182 for 5, with Shimron Hetmyer playing a defining role that lifted the scoring rate in the middle overs.

In reply, Scotland showed signs of promise but struggled to keep pace as the required run rate kept on increasing. The West Indies bowling attack took full control towards the end, striking at regular intervals.

The partnership between Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce was the only positive for the Scottish side as Romario Shepherd ended the innings by scalping a hat-trick and ended up with bowling figures of 5/20 in three overs.