​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

The West Indies have maintained their unbeaten start to the Women’s T20 World Cup after surviving a dramatic seven run victory over Scotland in a high scoring contest at Headingley. Scotland pushed the tournament contenders all the way during a record chase attempt but fell short after a late collapse. The result keeps the West Indies among the leading teams in Group 2 as the race for semifinal places continues.

The West Indies posted 6 for 153 after recovering from a difficult position before Scotland reached 146 all out in reply. The match featured momentum swings throughout, with both teams creating pressure at crucial moments.

Taylor rescues West Indies innings

The West Indies looked vulnerable during their innings after Scotland’s disciplined bowling attack restricted them to 6 for 124 after 18 overs.

The experienced Stafanie Taylor then produced a match changing performance to lift her team to a competitive total. Returning after missing the opening victory over defending champions New Zealand, Taylor remained unbeaten on 47 from just 19 deliveries.

Her late assault included 34 runs in boundaries, with 26 coming during the final two overs as the West Indies added 29 runs at the death.

Taylor’s experience proved vital as Scotland had controlled large periods of the innings. Katherine Fraser was particularly impressive with the ball and in the field, taking two wickets and making several key contributions.

Fraser removed West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and later completed a difficult boundary catch before helping run out Shemaine Campbelle, who had made 36.

Scotland threaten record chase

Scotland began their chase with confidence and quickly put pressure on the West Indies attack.

Darcey Carter and Fraser provided an excellent opening partnership, giving Scotland belief that they could complete a record run chase. Carter played an important innings despite suffering a leg injury early in the match.

The West Indies eventually responded with a strong period of bowling, taking four wickets in 13 deliveries before the eighth over. The momentum shifted as Scotland’s required run rate climbed.

Carter battled through discomfort and struggled to maintain her usual attacking approach. After the fifth over, Scotland went almost five overs without finding the boundary, making the chase increasingly difficult.

Despite that, Scotland remained competitive due to some inconsistent bowling and missed opportunities in the field from the West Indies.

Alleyne seals victory at the end

With Scotland still within reach at 5 for 132 after 18 overs, the match appeared to be heading for a tense finish.

Medium pacer Aaliyah Alleyne changed the contest in the 19th over by taking three crucial wickets. Her spell included the dismissal of Carter, who was eventually removed after scoring a brilliant 59.

Scotland needed 17 runs from the final over but could not complete the chase. They were bowled out on the final delivery for 146, giving the West Indies a seven run victory.

The win keeps the West Indies undefeated after two matches and places them alongside England as the only teams with two victories in Group 2. The top two teams from the group will progress to the semifinals.

Scotland show promise despite defeat

Although Scotland fell short, their performance demonstrated their ability to compete against stronger opponents on the global stage.

The team’s bowling effort kept the West Indies under pressure for much of the first innings, while their chase showed resilience after losing momentum during the middle overs.

Carter’s innings was a major highlight, while Fraser’s all round contribution gave Scotland a strong foundation. However, the late collapse prevented them from securing one of the biggest wins in their women’s cricket history.

The West Indies will now look to continue their unbeaten run as they build towards the knockout stage, while Scotland will aim to recover in their remaining group matches.

New Zealand and Ireland are scheduled to meet next as the group stage continues.