After a convincing 10-wicket loss to South Africa Women a few days prior, West Indies Women had to bounce back against a Scottish team that put up a stronger fight in their first game but was unable to score enough runs to win. After choosing to bat first, Hayley Matthews wasted a close opportunity at first slip in the game’s opening over, giving Scotland Women an early reprieve.
Saskia Horley left just as Matthews got the last laugh, just as she appeared to be getting into the swing of things. Horley’s partner, Sarah Bryce, was dealt a stunning blow by Chinelle Henry in the very next over. The right-arm medium-fast bowler concluded her spell with outstanding numbers (1/10), bowling four straight. Notably, after giving up eight runs in the game’s opening over, this also contained a couple of maiden overs.
Only one boundary was struck in overs 7–11, but captain Kathryn Bryce and Ailsa Lister established themselves early in the game with a stand that offered plenty of promise. But Afy Fletcher’s double-wicket over saw the Scotsman pinned back. Scotland Women’s scoring rate drastically dropped after Fletcher’s over, so they were never able to fully bounce back. Following Bryce’s ejection, things only got worse for Scotland, who could only muster 99 in their allotted 20 overs.
Karishma Ramharack not only held onto two catches but also delivered an excellent last over of the batting that was only worth six runs. Once again, Matthews and Fletcher were dead on.
After getting hammered by the Proteas Women a few days before, it was to be seen how the West Indies batting order would tackle the run-chase.
With Stafanie Taylor having her stumps castled by Rachel Slater, the Scottish would have sensed a little chance of victory. They would have been even more confident in their chances after Priyanaz Chatterji and Olivia Bell removed the opposition’s captain and wicketkeeper in consecutive overs.
It appeared to be anyone’s game after Qiana Joseph left after an impressive 18-ball, 31-run knock. Despite this, the Windies remained favorites despite the lack of runs scored. Henry and Deandra Dottin did not waste any time at all as their aggressive partnership of 42* (20) for the fifth wicket was sufficient to overcome the Scottish challenge in 11.4 overs.
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West Indies Women’s net run rate increased to +1.154 as a result of their convincing win, positioning them as the team to beat in Group B until Match 8 of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
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