<p>West Indies demolished Scotland by 35 runs while England barely survived a last-ball thriller against Nepal, setting up a fascinating Group C clash between two former T20 World Cup champions with contrasting momentum.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition:</strong> ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 15th Match, Group C</li> <li><strong>Venue: </strong>Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, February 12, 2026</li> <li><strong>Start Time:</strong> 12:30 AM AEDT (Friday)</li> </ul> <h2>England vs West Indies Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>West Indies hold a slight edge in recent T20 meetings between these sides. Recent history shows an even split with both teams winning three of their last six clashes, though the Caribbean side's current form tells a different story.</p> <p>England's campaign nearly derailed against Nepal on February 8, scraping home by just 4 runs defending 184. Jacob Bethell (55) and the top order provided the batting foundation, but Sam Curran needed to defend 10 runs off the final over against an associate nation.</p> <p>It was hardly a convincing start.</p> <p>West Indies opened with a statement, posting 182/5 against Scotland before Romario Shepherd's impressive bowling display helped bowl out the Scots for 147. Their 35-run victory served notice to Group C rivals.</p> <h2>Hetmyer's Explosive Return Headlines Caribbean Firepower</h2> <p>Shimron Hetmyer announced himself with a rapid fifty against Scotland, reaching the milestone in just 22 balls. He finished unbeaten on 64 from 36 deliveries, a knock that the West Indies camp described as sending "a clear message to the rest of teams in the tournament." The left-hander's ability to clear boundaries at will makes him one of the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/biggest-ipl-contracts">highest paid IPL players</a> for good reason.</p> <p>England will be looking to their bowling attack to make an impact. The Nepal scare exposed their reliance on top-order runs, with the middle order struggling to accelerate when needed.</p> <p>For West Indies, the bowling attack looks settled heading into this crucial fixture.</p> <h2>England vs West Indies Betting Markets</h2> <p>For the latest England vs West Indies odds and markets, check out our dedicated <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket">cricket betting odds</a> page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>The Wankhede Stadium's reputation as a batting paradise makes totals markets attractive, while teams chasing have historically performed well at this venue thanks to evening dew reducing bowling effectiveness.</p> <p>Player performance markets offer value given the individual form on display, particularly Hetmyer's explosive tournament start. Those looking to follow the action ball-by-ball can explore <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/live-betting/cricket">live cricket betting</a> options as the match unfolds.</p> <h2>England vs West Indies Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>West Indies look well-placed to continue their strong start against an England side still finding their feet. Shimron Hetmyer's form suggests he can clear the player runs line comfortably.</p> <p>The Caribbean outfit's clinical dismantling of Scotland stands in stark contrast to England's nervous finish against Nepal. The bowling depth on display, combined with Hetmyer's 22-ball fifty, showed the batting firepower that makes West Indies dangerous on flat Wankhede surfaces.</p> <p>England's struggles defending 184 against associate opposition should concern punters backing them against a side that posted 182 against stronger bowling. The short square boundaries at Wankhede suit Hetmyer's power game perfectly, and his strike rate of 177.78 suggests another quick-fire contribution is likely.</p> <p>The risk? England possess match-winners who thrive under pressure. However, West Indies' superior form and historical T20 pedigree at flat tracks gives them the edge in what shapes as a genuine group decider. For those exploring the full <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup">Cricket World Cup betting odds</a>, this match could prove pivotal in determining which side advances.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-scoring-explained">Overs, wickets, and runs — how cricket scoring actually works</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/top-ten-richest-cricketers-in-the-world">The players who've turned cricket into a fortune</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-dls-method-explained">The DLS method: cricket's most confusing rule finally makes sense</a></li> </ul>