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🟠 West Indies Finally Open Their Account
The West Indies women’s team earned their first win in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier. They defeated Ireland by six runs in a tense match reduced to 33 overs per side.
Although Ireland started well, West Indies managed to defend a total of 181/6, restricting Ireland to 175 in the final over.
🔥 Hayley Matthews: The Game Changer
All-rounder Hayley Matthews once again proved her worth. She picked up 4 wickets for 24 runs, including the crucial final dismissal that sealed the match.
📸 Suggested Image: Hayley Matthews celebrates a wicket
Alt text: Hayley Matthews delivers match-winning spell vs Ireland
Her timely return to the attack in the final over made all the difference.
🟡 Ireland’s Fielding Blunders Prove Costly
Early on, Ireland seemed in control. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter added 57 runs in the opening 11 overs.
However, their fielding let them down. They dropped six catches, many of which gave lifelines to West Indies’ top batters. As a result, West Indies posted a competitive total.
🏏 Contributions Beyond Matthews
Unlike their previous game against Scotland, West Indies got support from several key batters:
- Stafanie Taylor contributed 46
- Chinelle Henry remained unbeaten on 46*, hitting the match’s only six
- Zaida James added a steady 36
📸 Suggested Image: Taylor and Henry batting together
Alt text: Taylor and Henry stabilize West Indies innings with solid knocks
Together, they ensured the team crossed the 180-mark.
🍀 Ireland’s Spirited Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing 182, Ireland kept the game alive until the final over. They needed 26 runs from 23 balls, then 8 from the last six.
- Amy Hunter top-scored with 48
- Delany and Reilly contributed with a steady middle-order partnership
However, Matthews and Ramharack tightened the screws at the end. As a result, Ireland fell short by just six runs.
🎥 Suggested Video Embed: ICC match highlights
Video Caption: Watch full highlights of the West Indies vs Ireland thriller
🟢 Pakistan Beat Scotland to Go Top
Meanwhile, in the day’s other match, Pakistan defeated Scotland by six wickets. It was another rain-affected match, reduced to 32 overs a side.
- Muneeba Ali scored 71 off 72
- Aliya Riaz stayed unbeaten on 68
- Fatima Sana starred with the ball, taking 4 for 23
📸 Suggested Image: Muneeba Ali during her knock
Alt text: Muneeba Ali’s 71 powers Pakistan past Scotland
As a result, Pakistan are now top of the points table.
🏁 What’s Next?
With this win, West Indies remain in the race for qualification. Pakistan, on the other hand, will head into their next match against West Indies with confidence.
