Darcey Carter’s brave half-century goes in vain as Taylor’s late blitz powers West Indies to a tense victory

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Stafanie Taylor’s explosive late cameo and a disciplined spin attack helped West Indies edge past a spirited Scotland side in a thrilling encounter.

Playing her first match of the tournament, Taylor transformed the innings with an unbeaten 47 off just 19 balls, striking at 247.36 after West Indies had slumped to 85 for 5 in the 15th over. Her late assault helped her side score 69 runs in the final six overs, including 51 at the death, setting Scotland a challenging target.

Scotland, however, pushed West Indies all the way thanks to a courageous innings from 21-year-old opener Darcey Carter. Battling a leg injury, Carter scored a fighting half-century and stitched together crucial partnerships with Katherine Fraser and Ailsa Lister to keep her team in the hunt.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews proved decisive with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 19 in four overs, including 13 dot balls that slowed Scotland’s momentum. Aaliyah Alleyne then turned the match in the penultimate over, taking three wickets to crush Scotland’s hopes of a memorable upset.

Scotland were outstanding in the field throughout the innings, led by Katherine Fraser, who claimed 2 for 34, pulled off a spectacular boundary catch to dismiss Qiana Joseph and executed a sharp run-out to remove Shemaine Campbelle.

After Scotland raced to 51 without loss in the chase, Matthews triggered a collapse by removing Fraser and later dismissed Kathryn Bryce and Megan McColl in quick succession.

Despite late nerves, including some wayward bowling and sloppy fielding from West Indies, Alleyne’s decisive spell and late wickets from Qiana Joseph ensured the Caribbean side held on for victory.

Taylor’s match-changing knock ultimately proved the difference as West Indies survived a determined Scotland challenge to secure another crucial win.