West Indies power past Scotland for first victory

A dominant performance with bat and ball saw the West Indies up and running at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Following a 10-wicket defeat to South Africa, the West Indies responded in style, beating Scotland by six wickets. They restricted the Scots to just 99 batting first and then chased down that total inside 12 overs for a win that boosts both their confidence and their net run-rate. Scotland won the toss and elected to bat, but lost Saskia Horley in the second over off Hayley Matthews for 11.

With two consecutive maidens, the first one a wicket maiden when she bowled Sarah Bryce for two, Chinelle Henry applied pressure.

After Ailsa Lister survived consecutive deliveries that dropped her, she and Kathryn Bryce recovered, putting up 46 for the third wicket before Lister was eventually out for 26.

Afy Fletcher trapped her, as she was LBW for two in two balls despite Priyanaz Chatterji's inability to complete a hat-trick.

With five overs left, Scotland was 76 for five after Fletcher added the crucial wicket of Bryce for 25.

Darcey Carter provided an unbeaten 14, but two more wickets in the final over saw the Scots finish up just short of three figures on 99 for eight.

Requiring exactly 100 to win, the West Indies lost Stafanie Taylor in the first over, while Matthews never really got going, departing for a 19-ball eight off the bowling of Chatterji.

Qiana Joseph showed lots of intent, batting at No.3, but saw another partner go when Shemaine Campbelle was caught and bowled by Olivia Bell for two.

Joseph continued to assault, finally succumbing for 31 off just 18 balls, Bell again claiming the wicket. After that, the West Indies were 59 for 4, needing 41 from 11.4 overs.

Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry struck 42 off just 20 deliveries, bringing the match to a speedy end. Dottin blasted two sixes after hitting a four off Abtaha Maqsood to ensure victory.

With games against Bangladesh and England still to come, the victory puts the West Indies at the top of Group B, at least for the time being.

Scores in brief

At Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Scotland will play the West Indies.

Scotland 99 for eight in 20 overs (Ailsa Lister 26, Kathryn Bryce 25; Afy Fletcher 3/22, Chinelle Henry 1/10)

West Indies 101 for four in 11.4 overs (Qiana Joseph 31, Deandra Dottin 28 not out; Olivia Bell 2/18, Priyanaz Chatterji 1/15)

West Indies prevailed by six wickets as a result.