West Indies hold nerve to edge Scotland in T20 World Cup

Scotland came painfully close to a statement win at the T20 World Cup, but West Indies escaped with a seven run victory in a tense finish at Headingley.

Chasing 154, Scotland were rocked by Stafanie Taylor’s explosive 47 off 19 balls, which dragged West Indies to 153 for 7 after they had been struggling at 85 for 5. The chase then swung wildly, with Scotland losing four wickets for just seven runs before Darcey Carter and Ailsa Lister rebuilt the innings despite injury concerns. With 22 needed off the final two overs, the game was still alive. But Aaliyah Alleyne held her nerve, striking key blows as Carter fell for 59, Lister for 33, and Kirstie Gordon first ball in a dramatic penultimate over. Even then, Scotland pushed it down to needing 13 from the final four deliveries before West Indies closed it out.There were nerves on both sides, with Deandra Dottin visibly emotional after a tough over, while Qiana Joseph endured a mixed spell but finished the job despite earlier setbacks in the field.

Earlier, Scotland had looked sharp with ball and in the field, but Taylor’s late surge, including three sixes in her final five deliveries, turned a shaky innings into a winning total.

Scotland’s win over Ireland earlier in the tournament keeps their hopes alive, but this missed chance will sting as they now face England next. West Indies move on to meet Sri Lanka in Bristol on Sunday.