The West Indies Women continued their impressive march through the Evara Tri-Nation T20I Series on Friday, producing a powerful all-round display to defeat Pakistan Women by 25 runs at Castle Avenue.
Backed by a fearless batting effort and timely breakthroughs with the ball, the Caribbean side amassed 199 for six, its third-highest total in Women’s T20 International cricket, before restricting Pakistan to 174 for eight. The victory followed Thursday’s convincing eight-wicket win over Ireland and lifted the West Indies to a perfect four points from two matches.
Matthews sparks early carnage
After electing to bat for the second consecutive match, captain Hayley Matthews immediately seized control of the contest.
Partnering with Deandra Dottin, Matthews launched a fierce assault on Pakistan’s bowling attack as the pair raced to 57 runs inside five overs. Medium pacer Diana Baig endured a punishing start, conceding 15 runs in her second over and 21 more in her third as the West Indies surged to 41 without loss after only three overs.
Matthews dominated the scoring with a blistering 40 from just 20 deliveries before Baig finally struck back, having the captain caught to provide Pakistan with a desperately needed breakthrough.
The visitors soon built on that success. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu bowled Dottin for 17, and Rameen Shamim removed Qiana Joseph for four, leaving the West Indies wobbling at 66 for three in the eighth over.
Taylor and Claxton rebuild the foundation
With momentum beginning to shift, Stafanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton responded with authority.
The pair steadied the innings while maintaining an aggressive tempo, adding 54 runs in just five overs. Their partnership carried the West Indies to 120 for three by the 13th over and restored control of the contest.
Pakistan, however, briefly wrestled the initiative back. Sandhu dismissed Taylor after an entertaining 39 off 23 balls, while Shamim quickly accounted for Claxton, reducing the hosts to 122 for five and creating an opening for a late collapse.
Glasgow and Henry deliver the knockout blow
Instead, Jannillea Glasgow and Chinelle Henry produced the defining passage of the match.
The duo launched a devastating counterattack, stitching together a 65-run stand in only six overs to transform a promising total into a daunting one. Glasgow struck 42 from 25 balls, peppering the boundary rope seven times, while Henry supplied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 33 from 17 deliveries that included four fours and a six.
Although Glasgow was run out with three balls remaining, the damage had long since been inflicted as the West Indies closed on a formidable 199 for six.
For Pakistan, Shamim returned figures of 2-27 and Sandhu claimed 2-29.
Early strikes leave Pakistan under pressure
Chasing a demanding target that required exactly 10 runs per over, Pakistan stumbled almost immediately.
Shawnisha Hector removed Muneeba Ali for two, and Henry followed by having Gull Feroza caught behind for four as Pakistan slipped to 12 for two.
The pressure intensified when Ayesha Zafar managed only seven before falling to Henry. Spinner Ashmini Munisar then claimed the key wicket of Saira Jabeen for 30, leaving Pakistan struggling at 52 for four after six overs.
Run-outs compound Pakistan’s problems
Any hopes of a sustained recovery were further undermined by poor running between the wickets.
Both Rameen Shamim, who made 18, and Iram Javed, who scored 24, were dismissed in run-out incidents that stalled Pakistan’s progress and increased the required scoring rate.
When top scorer Aliya Riaz departed for 37 with the score at 139 for seven in the 17th over, the outcome appeared virtually settled.
Sana’s late charge falls short
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana refused to concede, injecting life into the chase with a spirited cameo of 27 from 14 balls.
Her late assault ensured the contest remained alive heading into the final over, but the target ultimately proved beyond reach as Pakistan closed on 174 for eight.
Henry capped a memorable all-round performance by earning Player-of-the-Match honors. In addition to her explosive batting, she delivered the most economical spell of the innings, finishing with 2-13. Hector also impressed, claiming 2-21 as the West Indies secured a second consecutive victory in commanding fashion.
Windies building momentum
Two matches into the tournament, the West Indies Women appear to be finding their rhythm quickly. With explosive contributions throughout the batting order, disciplined bowling, and impactful fielding, they have established themselves as the early pace-setters of the tri-series and a team growing in confidence with every outing.
