Taylor, Alleyne plays the West Indies to survive the fear of spirited Scotland

Stafanie Taylor’s explosive late cameo and Aaliyah Alleyne’s composure at the death helped the West Indies see off Scotland by seven runs in a thrilling ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 contest at Headingley. Taylor turned the innings around with an unbeaten 47 off just 19 deliveries after West Indies slumped to 85/5, lifting her side to a competitive 153/6.

Scotland responded bravely and Darcey Carter anchored the chase with a determined 59 despite battling cramp and surviving two dropped chances. But Alleyne struck three times in the penultimate game, including dismissing Carter, to extinguish Scotland’s hopes and seal the Caribbean side’s second win of the tournament.

TAYLOR SPARKS WINDIES RECOVERY

Asked to bat first, West Indies got off to a steady start before Scotland seized control through a disciplined bowling effort.

Katherine Fraser provided the breakthrough with a superb running catch near the boundary to remove Qiana Joseph on 13. She followed this up with a clean sweep of skipper Hayley Matthews on 14, leaving the higher-ranked West Indies looking for momentum.

Deandra Dottin’s milestone 150th T20 international ended in the 14th over when Sarah Bryce completed a slip off the bowling of Kathryn Bryce.

Scotland strengthened their grip in the next over when Fraser produced a direct hit to dismiss Shemaine Campbell for 36, reducing West Indies to 80/4. Chinelle Henry, who returned from injury, managed just four before departing, bringing veteran Stafanie Taylor into the crease in her first appearance since recovering from injury.

Taylor immediately changed the momentum. Although West Indies cautiously reached 100, Jahzara Claxton provided some momentum with the first six innings. Claxton made 16 before Fraser claimed her third wicket, with Kathryn Bryce caught comfortably in the deep.

From there, Taylor dominated the final overs, clearing the ropes three times – including the final delivery – to finish unbeaten on 47 from just 19 balls to take West Indies to 153/6.

SCOTLAND SHORT

Scotland started their run chase on a positive note despite facing their highest target in T20 internationals.

Fraser got things going with a timely boundary before Carter attacked Deandra Dottin to hit three fours in one. Carter got a lifeline at 19 when Qiana Joseph spilled a chance.

Hayley Matthews then swung the momentum back in West Indies’ favour. She cleaned up the bowling of Fraser for a brisk 20 before dismissing Kathryn Bryce for a duck just two deliveries later, leaving Scotland at 51/2.

Sarah Bryce couldn’t hit either as she bowled Deandra Dottin off the bowling of Afa Fletcher. Megan McColl also enjoyed a reprieve before getting Matthews’ third goal after scoring just one goal.

Carter continued to battle despite requiring treatment for a cramp, while goalkeeper Shemaine Campbell was forced off the pitch due to injury and replaced by Mandy Mangru.

As the required rate rose, Priyanaz Chatterji dropped for eight, leaving Scotland under increasing pressure. Carter kept their hopes alive by ending a long boundary drought and later hit her maiden Women’s World T20 half-century off 53 balls.

Alongside Lancashire team-mate Ailsa Lister, Carter put together a valuable 48-run partnership that brought Scotland back into contention.

The decisive moment came in the 19th shootout when Alleyne took the lead. She first dismissed Carter for 59 off 68 balls with a reverse catch before removing Lister and then trapped Kirstie Gordon first ball, leaving Scotland’s chase in tatters.

Needing 17 runs from the final over, Scotland could only manage 146/8 for the loss of seven runs as the West Indies held their nerve to secure a hard-fought victory.

– The end

Published on:

19 Jun 2026 04:50 IST