Windies take three wickets in an over as Scotland defeated
T20 World Cup, Group 2, Headingley
West Indies 153-6 (20 overs): Taylor 47* (19); Fraser 2-34
Scotland 146 (20 overs): Carter 59 (62), Lister 33 (25)
Scotland narrowly missed out on a landmark victory at the T20 World Cup as West Indies secured a dramatic win in a tense match at Headingley.
After being set a target of 154, Scotland found themselves under pressure following Stafanie Taylor's unbeaten 47 off 19 balls and a collapse that saw four wickets fall for seven runs. Despite battling a calf injury, Darcey Carter and Ailsa Lister brought Scotland close to victory, requiring 22 runs from the final two overs.
Deandra Dottin was visibly emotional conceding 13 runs in the 18th over, but Windies bowler Aaliyah Alleyne maintained composure under pressure, taking crucial wickets in quick succession. Alleyne dismissed Carter for 59, Lister for 33, and Kirstie Gordon on the first ball of the penultimate over.
Scotland continued to fight, needing 13 runs from the last four balls with two wickets remaining. However, Qiana Joseph, who had earlier dropped catches and bowled two poorly timed no-balls, secured a seven-run victory for the West Indies as Scotland were bowled out for 146.
Scotland performed impressively during much of the first innings, demonstrating agility in the field and tactical bowling. Veteran Taylor, playing her first match of the tournament at age 35, struck three sixes in her final five deliveries to rescue a struggling innings that was 85-5 in the 15th over.
Ultimately, Taylor's innings proved decisive.
Following their first World Cup win against Ireland on Saturday, Scotland's chances of advancing remain alive. However, after missing out on a significant scalp that could have boosted their semi-final prospects, they will face England next Saturday.
West Indies will next compete against Sri Lanka on Sunday in Bristol.
What could have been for Scotland
Despite some inconsistent play, particularly from West Indies, this match was arguably the best of the World Cup so far.
Much of the Windies batting was subdued, with Scotland restricting scoring opportunities. Katherine Fraser made a notable impact by catching Joseph at the boundary, running out in-form Shemaine Campbelle for 36, and bowling Hayley Matthews for 14.
West Indies relied heavily on Taylor, who had not scored as many runs in a T20 international for three years, to reach their total.
Scotland started strongly, reaching 51 without loss in 5.1 overs. Matthews had to rally her team during a huddle after several dropped catches.
From 51-0, Scotland then lost four wickets for seven runs, including Sarah and Kathryn Bryce, who scored zero and four respectively.
Scotland appeared to be in trouble, but Lister added momentum and Carter anchored the innings. When Dottin bowled three wides and was hit for two fours, Scotland were favourites and West Indies seemed rattled.
Credit is due to Alleyne, who took a high catch to dismiss Carter caught and bowled, and after a misfield that conceded four runs, bowled both Lister and Gordon.
Scotland's near victory highlights the progress of a team that had not won a World Cup match a week prior and only introduced central contracts for women's players in 2023.
The disappointment at the end reflected a team aware of what was nearly achieved. Scotland do not see themselves as underdogs in this tournament, and this would have been one of the most significant wins in their cricket history.
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