[WATCH] Heroic Hayley Matthews' fights cramps; scores century but West Indies fall short against Scotland

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews delivered a sensational performance with both bat and ball against Scotland in Match 2 of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, in Lahore, Pakistan. Despite her heroic efforts, the West Indies team fell agonizingly short, losing by 11 runs in a nail-biting contest.

Scotland batted first and posted a competitive total of 244 runs in 45 overs before being bowled out. Wicketkeeper-batter Sarah Bryce anchored the innings with a well-made 55 off 56 deliveries, while the rest of the batters chipped in with useful contributions. The West Indies skipper led from the front with the ball, delivering a full 10-over spell. She claimed four wickets for 56 runs, putting a brake on Scotland’s momentum.

In reply, West Indies struggled to build solid partnerships. Wickets kept tumbling at one end, but the opener held her ground and fought with a lone hand. Despite suffering from cramps, she showcased immense determination and resilience. At one point, she had to be stretchered off the field due to the pain, but she returned to the crease.

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Matthews struck 14 boundaries through discomfort and scored a brilliant unbeaten 114 runs, keeping her team in the hunt till the final overs. For Scotland, Katherine Fraser picked three wickets giving away 50 runs and also bowling one maiden over. Chloe Abel and Abtaha Maqsood took two wickets each to keep their team in the contest.

The skipper’s valiant effort, however, was not enough as West Indies fell short of the target by just 11 runs. For her all-round performance, scoring a century and picking up four wickets, Matthews was named the Player of the Match, even though her team could not cross the finish line.

Meanwhile, West Indies will face Ireland on April 11, hoping to bounce back from this defeat. Scotland will aim to continue their winning run when they take on hosts Pakistan on the same day.