The West Indies women’s cricket team, the 2016 champions, bounced back from a crushing defeat to South Africa, showcasing their resilience with a comfortable six-wicket victory over Scotland at the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday. The match marked Scotland’s debut in the tournament, but they were no match for the experienced West Indies side.
Scotland struggled to put up a decent score, managing only 99-8 in their allotted 20 overs. The West Indies, chasing a modest target, reached the milestone with ease, completing the chase with 50 balls remaining. This decisive victory provided a much-needed boost to their net run rate.
Qiana Joseph led the West Indies’ chase, scoring a quick-fire 31 runs off just 18 balls, hitting three fours and a six. Deandra Dottin added a powerful 28 runs off 15 balls, including two sixes. The duo put on a crucial 42-run partnership for the fifth wicket, sealing the win for the West Indies.
Earlier, Scotland’s innings was hampered by a strong bowling performance from the West Indies. Captain Kathryn Bryce (25) and Ailsa Lister (26) attempted to steady the ship after a shaky start, but their efforts were cut short by 37-year-old leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who dismissed both batsmen. Fletcher also claimed the wicket of Priyanaz Chatterji for a first-ball duck, leaving Scotland reeling at 46-3.
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews had an early impact, removing opener Saskia Horley in the second over. This dismissal marked a significant milestone for Matthews, as it was her 100th wicket in T20 international cricket.
With this victory, the West Indies have put their opening defeat behind them, while Scotland faces a tough task ahead, having lost their first two matches of the tournament. They will be hoping to turn things around in their upcoming matches.
