West Indies Women survive Scotland scare in last-ball thriller to stay unbeaten
Key Points(5)
- West Indies Women survived a major scare but found a way to remain unbeaten at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after a dramatic seven-run victory over Scotland Women in Leeds on Thursday.
- The Caribbean side appeared to have lost control of the contest at several stages, but a brilliant rescue innings from veteran Stafanie Taylor and a composed bowling finish carried them over the line.
- The victory strengthened West Indies’ position in Group B, moving them closer to a semi-final place with two wins from two matches, sitting second behind unbeaten hosts England on net run rate.
- Taylor reignites a struggling West Indies innings The foundation of the victory was built after West Indies were sent in to bat and struggled to maintain momentum.
- Several batters made promising starts but failed to convert them into significant scores.
West Indies Women survived a major scare but found a way to remain unbeaten at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after a dramatic seven-run victory over Scotland Women in Leeds on Thursday.
The Caribbean side appeared to have lost control of the contest at several stages, but a brilliant rescue innings from veteran Stafanie Taylor and a composed bowling finish carried them over the line.
The victory strengthened West Indies’ position in Group B, moving them closer to a semi-final place with two wins from two matches, sitting second behind unbeaten hosts England on net run rate.
Taylor reignites a struggling West Indies innings
The foundation of the victory was built after West Indies were sent in to bat and struggled to maintain momentum.
Several batters made promising starts but failed to convert them into significant scores.
Qiana Joseph contributed 13 before falling, captain Hayley Matthews managed 14 from 22 deliveries, Deandra Dottin added 14, and Jahzara Claxton made 16.
Only Shemaine Campbelle offered consistent resistance early, producing a valuable 36 from 26 balls.
The innings appeared in danger of collapsing when Chinelle Henry fell in the 15th over, leaving West Indies at a vulnerable 85 for five.
Then Taylor arrived.
Veteran presence changes the match
The experienced campaigner showed exactly why she remains one of the most respected players in the women’s game.
Taylor attacked immediately, smashing four boundaries and three sixes in a sensational unbeaten-style recovery effort of 47 from just 19 balls.
Her aggressive approach completely changed the rhythm of the innings.
Alongside Jannillea Glasgow, Taylor added a crucial unbeaten 31-run partnership from only 14 deliveries, lifting West Indies to 153 for six from their 20 overs.
The total gave the bowlers something to defend.
Scotland starts fast and puts Windies under pressure
Scotland responded with confidence.
Openers Darcey Carter and Katherine Fraser immediately attacked the bowling, racing to 51 runs in the first five overs and putting West Indies under pressure.
The match changed when captain Hayley Matthews intervened.
She removed Fraser with the first ball of the sixth over and then struck again two deliveries later, dismissing Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce for a duck.
The collapse continued.
Sarah Bryce scored only four before falling to Afy Fletcher, while Matthews returned to trap Megan McColl lbw for one.
Suddenly, Scotland had fallen from a commanding position to 58 for four in the eighth over.
Carter and Lister bring Scotland back into the fight
West Indies looked to be cruising when Fletcher dismissed Priyanaz Chatterji to make it 74 for five in the 11th over.
But Scotland refused to surrender.
Carter and Ailsa Lister produced a stunning sixth-wicket partnership worth 58 runs, completely shifting the momentum.
Carter battled through a leg injury and reached her 10th T20 International half-century from 53 balls.
Lister also found her rhythm, creating a tense finish as Scotland moved closer to an unlikely victory.
A tense final overs battle
The drama intensified in the 17th over when Dottin endured a difficult start, bowling three wides before Lister punished her with two boundaries.
The second boundary brought an emotional reaction from Lister, who broke down in tears before being comforted by teammates.
Dottin recovered, limiting the damage and leaving Scotland needing 22 runs from the final 12 balls.
That was when West Indies found the breakthrough they needed.
Aaliyah Alleyne dismissed Carter with the first ball of the 19th over after the opener made 59 from 62 deliveries.
She then removed Lister for 33 from 25 balls and Kirstie Gordon for a duck with the final two deliveries of the over.
Scotland suddenly slipped from 137 for five to 137 for eight.
Joseph closes the door under pressure
With 17 runs required from the final over, the responsibility fell to Qiana Joseph.
She delivered under pressure, conceding only 10 runs while also removing Rachel Slater.
The final moment came on the last ball when Gabriella Fontenela was run out, confirming a narrow West Indies victory.
Alleyne finished with outstanding figures of 3-11, placing her among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers with seven.
Matthews added 3-19, while Fletcher supported with 2-16.
West Indies march forward with confidence
The victory showcased the resilience of the Caribbean side.
Their batting was rescued by Taylor’s experience, while their bowlers held firm when Scotland threatened a famous upset.
Taylor was named Player of the Match for her game-changing contribution.
West Indies will now turn their attention to their next Group B fixture against Sri Lanka on Sunday, carrying momentum, and the confidence that they can survive even the toughest challenges.
