DUBAI, UAE – Despite a shaky fielding display, West Indies Women secured a comfortable six-wicket win over Scotland Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, marking their first victory of the tournament.
Opting to bat after winning the toss at the Dubai International Stadium, Scotland struggled against the combined bowling efforts of spinner Afy Fletcher and pacer Chinelle Henry, finishing their innings at 99 for eight in 20 overs.
West Indies encountered some early nerves in their chase but ultimately eased to their target, finishing on 101 for four in just 11.4 overs.
While the Caribbean side’s bowling was top-notch, their fielding was less convincing, with three straightforward catches dropped—much to the frustration of captain Hayley Matthews, who saw all the missed opportunities come off her bowling. However, Matthews did manage to capture her 100th T20 wicket, dismissing Saskia Horley for 11.
Shaky start
Chinelle Henry also played a crucial role early on, bowling Sarah Bryce for two, leaving Scotland reeling at 13 for two in the third over. Despite the shaky start, Scotland’s Ailsa Lister and captain Kathryn Bryce built a cautious 46-run partnership over 10 overs.
Fletcher’s introduction turned the tide, as she broke the partnership by removing Lister for 26 and then trapping Priyanaz Chatterji lbw off the very next ball. Bryce, who managed 25 from 31 balls, was also dismissed by Fletcher as Scotland’s innings faltered, leaving them to post a modest total.
In their chase, West Indies stumbled early. Stafanie Taylor was bowled for just four, and Matthews’ lean World Cup run continued as she fell for eight. At 59 for four, the chase seemed to waver, but a steady, unbeaten 42-run partnership between Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry guided West Indies home.
Dottin sealed the win in style, smashing two sixes and a four off spinner Abtaha Maqsood in the 12th over, finishing unbeaten on 28 from 15 balls, while Henry contributed 18 not out from 10 deliveries.
