West Indies, Scotland battle for Group B advantage

West Indies, Scotland battle for Group B advantage

West Indies and Scotland arrive in Leeds with identical records but very different expectations. While West Indies opened their campaign by chasing down 163 against defending champions New Zealand, Scotland created history with their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup win, beating Ireland by 40 runs. Another victory here would put either side in a strong position in Group B.

The two sides also met at the 2024 T20 World Cup, when West Indies cruised to a six-wicket win but Scotland arrive as a much-improved side this time around. "It's going to be a real hard game," West Indies head coach Shane Deitz said. "They had a great win, so they'll be flying high and full of confidence."

Scotland's victory over Ireland was built around the Bryce sisters. Kathryn Bryce's 60 and Sarah Bryce's 49 rescued the side from early trouble before Kirstie Gordon and Katherine Fraser shared six wickets to complete a dominant win.

West Indies will be buoyed by Shemaine Campbelle's career-best unbeaten 90, which carried them to a famous chase. Hayley Matthews looked threatening despite falling short of a half-century while Aaliyah Alleyne's four wickets highlighted the depth in their bowling attack. Scotland's spinners could test the West Indies middle order, but if Campbelle and Matthews continue their form, the Caribbean side will start as favourites.

When: 18 June 2026 at 11 PM IST / 6:30 PM local

What to expect: Mixed conditions at the venue. Some showers are expected in the lead-up.

West Indies: Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry missed the first match with injuries but head coach Shane Deitz has said the two are "really close" to full fitness.

Probable XI: Hayley Matthews (C), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

Scotland: Expect an unchanged XI.

Probable XI: Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (C), Sarah Bryce (wk), Megan McColl, Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Rachel Slater, Kirstie Gordon, Chloe Abel, Gabriella Fontenla

"I think if we're 2 from 2 and then we've got Sri Lanka and England, it'd be great to keep that momentum going. Tournament's about momentum and getting early momentum" – Shane Deitz

"I think we've got a lot of challenging games coming up, but it's just take each game as it comes and reset. If we play well and put in good performances, then we'll be in with a chance in each game" – Kathryn Bryce