West Indies and Scotland Women made for a competitive Group stage match in T20 World Cup 2026 when the former won by just seven runs at the Headingley on Thursday. The disciplined work of Aaliyah Alleyne and Hayley Matthews who took a hat trick each, helped West Indies hold up 153 runs.
Batting first, West Indies started a decent game and set a sensible target of 154, based on a disciplined approach to the innings and looking to make good on the loose deliveries. The Caribbean side may not have been dominant on the total, but it did put some runs on the board to put pressure on Scotland’s batting line-up.
Scotland began with a strong attack, led by Katherine Fraser and Darcey Carter. The pair scored 51 runs in five overs, and left Scotland in the lead, with the prospect of a successful chase. Carter in particular, in particular, was the anchor and the half-century of his was a determined effort, while facing a disciplined bowling attack.
The contest took a turn for the worse though, when Hayley Matthews bowled Fraser for 20 off 11 balls in the sixth over. This development was a catalyst to a sudden collapse of the middle order in Scotland. From a good start, Scotland lost wickets regularly and found their cause lost as they slipped to 74 for 5 at 10.4 overs, needing 80 runs from 56 balls.
Then it was Aaliyah Alleyne’s turn to lead the way with some brilliant breakaway moves, mopping up Scotland’s minnows with Matthews. But, Scotland could not hold on, they were bowled out for 146 in 20 overs and Carter could not deliver.
The result was Scotland’s first loss of the tournament and gave West Indies a better chance in the group table as they showcased stern resistance from the bowlers as well as some brilliant breakthroughs at crucial times to hold onto the modest totals.
