In a nail-biting encounter, Scotland secured a dramatic 11-run victory over the West Indies in the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, marking the first upset of the tournament. Despite a heroic effort from Hayley Matthews, who was forced off the field twice due to severe cramps but still managed to score a century and take four wickets, Scotland emerged victorious. The match, held in the sweltering heat of Lahore, showcased not only Matthews’ incredible individual performance but also the resilience of the Scotland team, who rallied together to defend a challenging total.
Scotland’s Solid Start and Middle-Order Resilience
Choosing to bat first, Scotland faced tough conditions on a green-top pitch at the LCCA Ground. The opening partnership between Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Darcy Carter provided a solid foundation, with the pair putting on 48 runs in 12 overs. However, once Matthews entered the attack, the momentum shifted. Matthews took three quick wickets, dismissing Aitken-Drummond, Kathryn Bryce, and Carter, leaving Scotland at 69 for 3. The wickets kept tumbling as Scotland’s middle order faltered, and when Ailsa Lister was run out by Chinelle Henry, the team appeared in trouble at 80 for 4.
Sarah Bryce, however, held the innings together with a composed 55 off 56 balls, supported by Megan McColl in a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket. After Bryce fell to a slip catch, Scotland’s batting collapsed, losing six wickets for 62 runs, and they were bowled out for 244 in 45 overs. Aaliyah Alleynne and Karishma Ramharack were the standout bowlers for the West Indies, taking two wickets each.
Matthews’ Heroics Fall Short
In response, West Indies’ chase started poorly when Qiana Joseph was dismissed early, offering a simple caught-and-bowled to Carter. However, Zaida James and Matthews steadied the ship, putting together a 113-run partnership that brought West Indies back into the game. Matthews, despite battling severe cramps, played a brilliant knock of 114, becoming just the fourth player in ODI history to score a century and take four wickets in the same match.
West Indies appeared to be cruising, but the loss of James, followed by a sudden collapse of four wickets in just 23 deliveries, put them in a precarious position. Matthews was still at the crease, but with her health deteriorating, she was forced to leave the field. After a brief absence, Matthews returned on a stretcher, defying all odds to continue batting.
Her grit was commendable, as she fought on, even bringing up her century with a boundary. However, with West Indies needing 11 runs from the final three overs, Matthews ran out of partners. After being stretchered off again, she returned one last time to the crease, but it was not enough. She was dismissed, and West Indies were all out for 233, falling just short of the target by 11 runs.
Scotland’s Spinners Shine
The Scotland spinners played a pivotal role in defending their total. Offspinners Katherine Fraser and Darcy Carter, along with legspinner Abtaha Maqsood, took six wickets between them, putting the brakes on West Indies’ chase. It was a collective effort from the Scotland bowlers that sealed the win, with Fraser’s 3 for 50 and Maqsood’s control in the middle overs playing a critical role.
Pakistan Overcome Ireland in Tight Encounter
In the other match of the day, Pakistan secured a 38-run victory over Ireland, with their bowlers taking charge after a sluggish start with the bat. Pakistan’s total of 217 seemed underwhelming, but their bowlers, led by Diana Baig, kept Ireland in check throughout their chase. Baig, who returned to the team after a long break, finished with 4 for 35 and played a key role in dismantling Ireland’s lower order.
Ireland had been well placed at 96 for 1, with Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis at the crease, but a series of wickets, including three from Nashra Sandhu and four from Baig, left Ireland stranded at 179 all out. Pakistan will now face Scotland on Friday, hoping to build on their victory.
Looking Ahead
As the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers continue, both Scotland and Pakistan will be buoyed by their victories, while West Indies and Ireland will have to regroup before their next matches. The heat, humidity, and intense pressure of the tournament have already shown how crucial fitness and mental toughness are. As the competition progresses, every team will need to dig deep to secure their place in the final stages.
