At the Lahore City Cricket Association Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, West Indies’ Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign got off to a bitter start. Despite a spectacular all-round performance from Hayley Matthews, they fell short by 11 runs against Scotland in their opening match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 qualifier. With the pressure mounting, this loss could have lasting effects on their hopes of qualifying for the major tournament in India later this year.
Matthews’ Herculean Effort in Vain
The West Indies’ chase of 245 runs appeared manageable, but Matthews was left to battle not only the scoreboard but her own physical limitations. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who has become the backbone of the team, proved her worth yet again with a masterful knock of 114 runs from 113 balls, including 14 boundaries. However, her knock was marred by severe cramps that forced her to retire hurt twice—once at 95 and again at 99 runs. Despite these setbacks, Matthews returned to the crease when her team was reduced to eight wickets, showing grit and determination, but it was not enough.
Matthews’ performance will go down as one of the most valiant individual displays in the history of the World Cup qualifiers. Her fight through adversity, with cramps worsening as the innings went on, was a true testament to her character. Yet, despite her heroics, West Indies fell short of the target, finishing with 233 runs.
Scotland Sets a Challenging Target
Opting to bowl first, West Indies restricted Scotland to 244 runs in their 45 overs. Matthews played a crucial role with the ball, taking four wickets for 56 runs in her ten overs. In doing so, she made history by becoming only the fourth player to claim four wickets in a women’s ODI match and score a century, a feat that speaks volumes of her all-round prowess.
Scotland’s innings started well, with openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter posting a solid 48-run partnership. However, Matthews struck quickly, dismissing both Aitken-Drummond and Scottish captain Kathryn Bryce in quick succession, shifting the momentum in West Indies’ favor. Scotland found themselves at 194/6 by the 37th over, but a late surge from Katherine Fraser and Priyanaz Chatterji pushed the total to a competitive 244.
Key Contributions from Scotland
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Sarah Bryce: 55 runs off 56 balls
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Megan McColl: 45 runs
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Katherine Fraser and Priyanaz Chatterji: 42* and 23* respectively (late surge)
These contributions from Scotland’s lower order were crucial in setting a challenging target for the West Indies.
West Indies’ Chase Derailed by Early Wickets
West Indies’ pursuit of 245 runs began with setbacks as early wickets fell, putting the team on the back foot. After Qiana Joseph was dismissed for a duck, Matthews joined forces with Zaida James to form a partnership worth 120 runs. James contributed 45 runs to the effort, but the middle-order collapse left the West Indies chasing a high target with little support for Matthews.
As the innings wore on, Matthews battled through increasingly severe cramps, a visible struggle that was evident to all. She was stretchered off the field after taking a fall but returned to complete her innings. Despite her heroic century—her ninth ODI ton—her efforts were not enough to carry her team across the line.
Matthews Earns Player of the Match, But West Indies Fall Short
Though the West Indies came up short, Matthews’ performance did not go unnoticed. She was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round contribution, despite the result. Fans took to social media to praise her, with one fan noting, “Cramps couldn’t stop her. But the scoreboard did.”
Despite this setback, Matthews remains the heart of the West Indies’ team. Her determination and performance provide a glimmer of hope that the team can bounce back in future games.
What’s Next for West Indies and Scotland?
Looking forward, the West Indies will be looking to recover from this disappointing defeat. Their next challenge is against Ireland on April 11, and they will be hoping for a strong performance to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. Meanwhile, Scotland will take on hosts Pakistan on the same day, and their victory against the West Indies has boosted their confidence as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
The tournament is still in its early stages, but as the matches unfold, all eyes will be on Hayley Matthews and her West Indies team to see if they can regroup and secure a spot in the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year.
