The opening day of the Ladies’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 delivered a cricketing spectacle that followers will bear in mind for years to return. In a match that had the whole lot—dominance, collapse, harm, and a heroic comeback—it was West Indies‘ star all-rounder Hayley Matthews who stole the present. Regardless of a spirited efficiency from Scotland that noticed them pull off a significant upset, Matthews’ efficiency was the silver lining in West Indies’ turbulent outing. From main with the ball to returning on a stretcher to finish a century, Matthews embodied the spirit of a warrior.
Scotland’s grit units the stage in opposition to West Indies
West Indies, having elected to area first, have been maybe anticipating a simple outing in opposition to Scotland. However the Scottish facet, decided to make a press release, put up a struggle from the very first over. Openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter gave their staff a strong begin with a 48-run opening stand. Matthews then stepped in with the ball, dismissing each openers in fast succession, together with the prized wicket of Scotland’s captain Kathryn Bryce.
But, the drama was simply starting. Sarah Bryce and Megan McColl anchored the center overs with a decided 82-run partnership. Bryce performed fluently for her 55, whereas McColl contributed a precious 45. Regardless of a number of hiccups within the center overs, Scotland’s decrease order ensured they reached a aggressive complete of 244 earlier than being bowled out within the forty fifth over. Matthews, with 4 wickets for 56 runs, was already having a standout day.
Chasing shadows: The West Indies innings begins
The West Indies chase began with early disappointment as Qiana Joseph fell for a duck. Nonetheless, Matthews and Zaida James steadied the ship with a 120-run partnership that had West Indies cruising. James’ 45 supported Matthews’ assured strokeplay, however as soon as James was dismissed, the innings started to unravel.
Scotland’s bowlers tightened their grip, and the West Indies misplaced wickets in fast succession. Amidst this collapse, the state of affairs took a worrying flip when Matthews went down injured and needed to be carried off the sphere on a stretcher. At that time, West Indies have been nonetheless within the chase, however the psychological blow appeared handy Scotland the sting.
Hayley Matthews battles cramp in a gut-wrenching second
As Matthews edged nearer to her century and West Indies inched towards the goal, the bodily toll of her immense effort turned heartbreakingly evident. Across the latter a part of the chase, Matthews was seen visibly battling cramps, a results of the humid situations and the exertion from her earlier bowling spell and lengthy keep on the crease. The ache quickly turned insufferable—her motion slowed, and she or he started to grimace with each run.
Ultimately, the cramping compelled her to break down on the pitch, bringing the match to a sudden halt. Medical workers rushed in and, to the priority of teammates and spectators alike, Matthews needed to be stretchered off the sphere. It was a crushing sight, particularly given how essential her presence was for the chase. Nonetheless, true to her warrior spirit, Matthews returned later, combating by means of the ache to complete what she had began.
Right here’s the video:
Cramps couldn’t cease her. However the scoreboard did 😔
Hayley Matthews battled ache to attain a heroic 114* and take West Indies deep into the chase — however they fell agonisingly in need of Scotland’s complete 💔#HayleyMatthews #WIvSCO #WWCQ pic.twitter.com/RXEcB2fxec
— FanCode (@FanCode) April 9, 2025
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Matthews’ comeback for the ages
Simply when it regarded like the sport had slipped out of the Caribbean facet’s grasp, a well-known determine walked again onto the sphere—Matthews, visibly in ache, however burning with willpower. Along with her staff at 203/9 and 42 runs nonetheless required, Matthews returned to renew her innings and chase a century in opposition to all odds.
What adopted was nothing in need of unimaginable. Matthews, regardless of her restricted motion, timed the ball superbly, reached her ninth ODI century, and pushed West Indies inside touching distance of victory. Aaliyah Alleyne offered vital assist, however with 11 runs wanted, Abtaha Maqsood dealt the ultimate blow by trapping Alleyne LBW. Matthews was left unbeaten on a heroic 114*, stranded with no companion and unable to finish the miracle.
The loss meant that West Indies slipped behind each Pakistan and Scotland within the standings, however Matthews’ efficiency lit up the match. Her all-round brilliance—4 wickets, a century, and a valiant return after harm—was the spotlight of an in any other case disappointing outing for her staff.
Additionally READ: ICC Ladies’s ODI World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Listed here are the entire squads of all 6 groups
This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Instances firm.