Women’s T20 World Cup: West Indies cruise to win over Scotland

Former champions West Indies bounced back from their opening defeat to South Africa with a six-wicket victory over Scotland at the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.

The 2016 winners, who had suffered a heavy 10-wicket loss to South Africa just days earlier, faced little trouble from Scotland, who are making their tournament debut this year.

Scotland struggled to put up a competitive score, finishing at 99-8 in their 20 overs. West Indies comfortably chased down the target with 50 balls left, boosting their net run-rate significantly.

Qiana Joseph was the top scorer for West Indies, smashing 31 runs from 18 balls, including three fours and a six. Deandra Dottin contributed an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, hitting two sixes. She was supported by Chinelle Henry, who played a quick 18 off 10 balls, helping to seal the win.

Earlier, Henry had also shined with the ball, taking 1-10 in her four overs of fast bowling. Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher played a key role as well, claiming three wickets, including the crucial partnership-breakers Kathryn Bryce (25) and Ailsa Lister (26), who had attempted to stabilize Scotland’s innings with a 46-run stand.

West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews reached a milestone of 100 T20 international wickets, dismissing Scotland opener Saskia Horley early in the match.

With this victory, the West Indies got their campaign back on track, while Scotland have now lost both of their opening games, having been defeated by Bangladesh in their first match.