WI survive Scotland scare to make it two in two

Scotland put up a spirited effort against West Indies in the second game of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup, nearly toppling them before ultimately falling short by 7 runs. Chasing 154, Scotland were on course for another big scalp having already beaten Ireland in their opening game. However, needing 22 from 12 with five wickets in hand, Scotland collapsed in the penultimate over losing three wickets which ultimately led to them going down.

West Indies, boosted by the returns of Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry, were asked to bat first. Despite a boundary off the first ball from Qiona Joseph, run-scoring proved difficult in the Powerplay. With WI scoring only 20 from the first 4 overs, Joseph perished attempting a big heave. Hayley Matthews then got castled for a 22-ball 14, leaving her side in a spot of bother. At the halfway point, the 2016 champions were precariously placed at 59/2.

Shemaine Campbelle kept the scorecard ticking but Scotland remained on top with regular strikes. With Henry also departing cheaply, West Indies looked bleak at 85/5. But the returning Taylor produced a clutch knock, turning the contest around at the death. With Jahzara Claxton chipping in, Taylor smashed boundaries at will, including two sixes in the final over to power West Indies past 150 — with 40 runs coming from the last three overs.

Scotland remained unperturbed and put WI under pressure again with a rollicking Powerplay start. Katherine Fraser and Darcey Carter helped Scotland race to 51/0 in just five overs. Matthews then dragged her side back by breaking the partnership in the final over of the Powerplay, followed by Kathryn Bryce's wicket two balls later. 51/0 became 58/4 in a matter of 13 deliveries.

Scotland's hopes rested on Carter, who found an able ally in Ailsa Lister to revive the chase. Carter raised a fighting fifty, and Lister slammed Joseph for a four and a six in the 17th over, bringing the equation down to 35 off 18, then 22 off 12. Aaliyah Alleyne, bowling just her second over, turned the contest decisively by picking three wickets. Carter was caught and bowled for 59, Lister lost her leg stump attempting a scoop, and Kirstie Gordon was knocked over first ball. With 17 needed off the final over, Scotland managed just 8.

Brief scores: West Indies 153/6 in 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 47*, Shemaine Campbelle 36; Katherine Fraser 2-34) beat Scotland 146 in 20 overs (Darcey Carter 59, Ailsa Lister 33; Aaliyah Alleyne 3-11, Hayley Matthews 3-19) by 7 runs