In a closely contested match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, West Indies Women triumphed over England Women by 6 wickets, with the game taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The October 15th encounter kept fans on the edge of their seats as West Indies chased down England’s total of 141 with ease, finishing at 144/4 in 18 overs.
A Resilient Chase by the West Indies
England Women batted first, setting a competitive target of 141/7 in their 20 overs. Leading the charge for West Indies in their pursuit of the target was Qiana Joseph, who was named Player of the Match for her outstanding 52 off 38 deliveries. Her innings, adorned with 6 fours and 2 sixes, anchored the West Indies’ run chase. Joseph’s composed performance came at a crucial moment when the team needed stability, and she delivered under pressure.
Joseph was well-supported by Hayley Matthews, the West Indies captain, who contributed a valuable 50 from 38 balls, featuring 7 boundaries and a six. This vital opening partnership between Joseph and Matthews put West Indies in a commanding position early on. Despite a few wickets falling in quick succession, West Indies remained on course for victory.
Deandra Dottin’s cameo of 27 from 19 deliveries added to the momentum before she was dismissed by England’s premier spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, who bowled with precision and picked up 1/23 in her 4 overs.
The final moments saw Chinelle Henry and Aaliyah Alleyne steering West Indies home, with Alleyne blasting 8 off just 4 balls. The chase concluded in the 18th over, ensuring a smooth victory for West Indies.
England’s Efforts With the Ball
England’s bowlers had little luck containing West Indies’ top order, with Charlie Dean being the most expensive, conceding 46 runs in her 4 overs without taking a wicket. Although Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/33) took wickets at crucial junctures, the target set proved insufficient against a determined West Indies lineup.
England’s Struggles with the Bat
Earlier in the game, England Women struggled to build a dominant total. Their innings was built around Nat Sciver-Brunt, who remained unbeaten on 57 off 50 balls, playing a controlled knock with 5 boundaries. However, England’s top order failed to capitalize on their starts. Heather Knight contributed a brisk 21 before retiring hurt, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge (16) and Maia Bouchier (14) could not convert their efforts into substantial scores.
West Indies’ bowling unit was led by Afy Fletcher, who claimed 3 wickets for just 21 runs in her 4 overs, playing a pivotal role in keeping England’s total under control. Fletcher was well-supported by Deandra Dottin, who took 1/16, and Zaida James, who delivered a tight spell of 2 overs, giving away only 10 runs.
Key Performers:
- Qiana Joseph (West Indies): 52 runs off 38 balls
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies): 50 runs off 38 balls
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): 57* runs off 50 balls
- Afy Fletcher (West Indies): 3/21 in 4 overs
Bowling Highlights:
- Sophie Ecclestone (England): 1/23 in 4 overs
- Afy Fletcher (West Indies): 3/21 in 4 overs
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): 1/33 in 4 overs
The West Indies’ well-rounded performance—both with the bat and the ball—sealed their 6-wicket win, ensuring they remain contenders in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
With this result, England will look to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches, while West Indies can take heart from their strong showing in the middle overs that helped them chase down the target with relative ease.
