Scotland came agonisingly close to a famous victory as the West Indies somehow held their nerve to win a dramatic T20 World Cup encounter at Headingley.
Chasing 154, Scotland were rocked early by Stafanie Taylor’s blistering 19-ball 47 not out, before suffering a collapse of four wickets for just seven runs. Despite the setback, Darcey Carter battling a calf injury and Ailsa Lister rebuilt the innings to put the Scots within reach, needing 22 from the final two overs.
The pressure peaked in a tense finish. Deandra Dottin was left in tears after conceding 13 runs in the 18th over, but Aaliyah Alleyne responded superbly, holding her nerve to dismiss Carter (59), Lister (33), and Kirstie Gordon with the first ball of the penultimate over.
Even then, Scotland refused to give in, still requiring 13 from the final four balls with two wickets remaining. However, Qiana Joseph recovered from earlier errors to close out the match, sealing a seven-run victory as Scotland finished on 146 all out.
Scotland had earlier impressed in the field and with the ball, restricting the West Indies for long periods. But Taylor’s late surge — including three sixes in her final five deliveries — lifted the total from a struggling 85-5 in the 15th over to a more competitive score, ultimately proving decisive.
Having secured their first World Cup win against Ireland on Saturday, Scotland’s hopes of progressing remain alive, but they now face England next in a crucial fixture. The West Indies, meanwhile, meet Sri Lanka in Bristol on Sunday.
