WI Women edge Scotland in thriller

LEEDS, England:

West Indies Women dug deep to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Scotland Women and improve their chances of securing a semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling seven-run victory here on Thursday.

Firstly, veteran Stafanie Taylor used all her experience in a crucial, boundary-laden knock of 47 off 19 balls that helped revive West Indies Women’s stuttering innings and get them up to 153 for six in their 20 overs after they were sent in to bat.

The Windies then defied a stubborn half-century by opener Darcey Carter and a defiant knock by Ailsa Lister, to bowl out their opponents for 146 off the last ball of the match.

The result left them in second place in Group B with two wins from two matches, trailing the also unbeaten England Women by net run rate.

EASY VICTORY

West Indies seemed headed for an easy victory when Fletcher dismissed Priyanaz Chatterji to make the score 74 for five in the 11th over.

But Carter and Lister brought Scotland back into the contest with a 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket that completely changed the complexion of the match.

During the stand, Carter, who battled a leg injury during her innings, brought up her 10th T20I half-century off 53 balls.

Alleyne finished with 3-11 and is now tied for the most wickets in the tournament (7), Matthews took 3-19, while Fletcher supported with 2-16.

Earlier, the Windies needed the efforts of Taylor, who was named Player-of-the-Match, after their batters failed to build on promising starts.

Joseph made just 13 before being dismissed by Slater, Matthews scored a sluggish 14 off 22 balls, Dottin contributed 14 and Jahzara Claxton made 16 runs, with only Shemaine Campbelle, who scored 36 off 26 balls, putting up any real resistance.

The Windies were struggling at 85 for five following the loss of Chinelle Henry in the 15th over, when Taylor arrived at the crease.

She wasted little time in belting four fours and three sixes, and shared an unbroken partnership of 31 off 14 balls with Jannillea Glasgow that ultimately carried the Windies to a respectable total.

Fraser was Scotland’s best bowler with 2-34.

The West Indies’ next match will be against Sri Lanka on Sunday.