Matthews’ Heroics in Vain as Scotland Stun West Indies in Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Despite a remarkable all-round performance from Hayley Matthews, Scotland pulled off a stunning 11-run upset over West Indies in the opening round of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore. Matthews scored a valiant 114 and picked up four wickets, but could not prevent her team from falling short in a dramatic finish.

This was the first major upset of the Qualifiers, with Scotland showcasing collective grit to overcome the individual brilliance of Matthews, who fought through severe cramps and even returned from a stretcher to try and take West Indies over the line.

Match Summary

Scotland: 244 all out in 45 overs (Sarah Bryce 55, McColl 45, Matthews 4-56)
West Indies: 233 all out in 46.5 overs (Matthews 114, James 45, Fraser 3-50)
Result: Scotland won by 11 runs

Matthews’ Lone Stand Not Enough

Matthews became only the fourth cricketer in women’s ODI history to score a century and take four wickets in the same match, but it was not enough to overcome West Indies' reliance on her. She took four of the first five Scottish wickets and then scored a brilliant century in the chase, even returning from injury twice — the second time off a stretcher — as West Indies collapsed around her.

Despite battling cramps in sweltering 40°C heat with high humidity, Matthews stayed determined. She reached her century while visibly struggling and tried to farm the strike with the tailenders but eventually fell short as Aaliyah Alleyne was trapped lbw in the 47th over, ending their innings at 233.

Scotland Rally as Spin Secures Upset

Scotland’s innings was anchored by Sarah Bryce (55 off 56), who added an 82-run stand with Megan McColl for the fifth wicket after an early collapse. Matthews had triggered that collapse by dismissing three top-order batters in quick succession.

Despite losing their last six wickets for 62 runs, Scotland posted a competitive total of 244. Their spinners then turned the game around. Offspinners Katherine Fraser (3-50) and Darcy Carter, along with legspinner Abtaha Maqsood, shared six wickets to derail West Indies' middle and lower order.

Pakistan Open Campaign with Win Over Ireland

In the day’s other match, hosts Pakistan defeated Ireland by 38 runs, thanks to a strong bowling performance led by Diana Baig, who returned to international cricket with impressive figures of 4 for 35.

Pakistan posted 217, with Aliya Riaz (52) and Sidra Amin (51) steadying the innings. Ireland, at one point 96 for 1, looked in control before Nashra Sandhu (3-41) broke the momentum with three quick wickets. Baig then cleaned up the tail to seal victory.

Match Summary

Pakistan: 217 all out in 49 overs (Riaz 52, Sidra 51; Maguire 3-33)
Ireland: 179 all out in 45.1 overs (Hunter 44, Lewis 44; Baig 4-35, Sandhu 3-41)
Result: Pakistan won by 38 runs

What’s Next?

West Indies will face Ireland on Friday with both teams desperate for their first win.
Pakistan will take on an upbeat Scotland, who now have momentum on their side.

The early drama in Lahore sets the tone for a thrilling Qualifier tournament, where six teams are competing for just two World Cup spots, and no result can be taken for granted.