In an exciting encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the West Indies Women’s cricket team emerged victorious against Scotland Women by six wickets. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw some standout performances, with West Indies successfully chasing down Scotland’s modest total of 99 runs.
Scotland’s Struggle to Set a Big Target
Scotland Women won the toss and elected to bat first, but they found themselves in early trouble as they lost two quick wickets within 3 overs. Chinelle Henry and Hayley Matthews struck early for the West Indies, reducing Scotland to 13/2. Saskia Horley (11 from 9 balls) was the first to fall, followed soon after by Sarah Bryce (2 from 7 balls).
Kathryn Bryce (25 off 31) and Ailsa Lister (26 off 33) then offered some resistance, but tight bowling from the West Indies restricted Scotland’s run flow. The middle order collapsed under pressure, and Scotland could only manage 99 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs.
Afy Fletcher was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in her 4 overs. Chinelle Henry (1/10 in 4 overs) and Hayley Matthews (1/21 in 4 overs) also bowled economically, keeping Scotland’s scoring rate under control.
West Indies Women’s Chase
West Indies Women began their chase with some early hiccups, losing opener Stafanie Taylor in the first over, bowled by Rachel Slater. Hayley Matthews, who had earlier starred with the ball, couldn’t build a big partnership, falling for 8 runs off 19 balls.
The West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and by the 9th over, they were 59/4, making the match far from a straightforward chase. However, Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry stepped up at the right moment. Dottin’s powerful 28 off 15 balls, including two sixes, along with Henry’s calm 18 off 10, took the West Indies past the finish line in just 11.4 overs.
Chinelle Henry was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance, finishing with figures of 1/10 in her 4 overs and a crucial unbeaten 18 in the chase.
Key Performances:
- Scotland’s Top Scorers:
- Kathryn Bryce: 25 (31)
- Ailsa Lister: 26 (33)
- West Indies’ Top Performers:
- Deandra Dottin: 28* (15)
- Qiana Joseph: 31 (18)
- Chinelle Henry: 18* (10) and 1/10 (4 overs)
- Afy Fletcher: 3/22 (4 overs)
Scotland Bowling:
- Olivia Bell was the pick of the Scottish bowlers, taking 2/18 in her 3 overs, while Rachel Slater picked up 1/17 in 2 overs. However, their efforts couldn’t stop the West Indies from comfortably chasing the target.
A Tough Loss for Scotland
This match was a tough outing for the Scotland Women, who showed moments of brilliance but couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities. Their middle-order collapse and lack of big partnerships were the key reasons behind their defeat.
