Matthews century in vain as Scotland triumph over West Indies

Scotland earned an 11-run victory over the West Indies in their opener despite four wickets and an unbeaten century for Hayley Matthews, to get their pursuit of a maiden Women's Cricket World Cup appearance off to a flyer.

Scotland’s innings got off to a confident start as openers Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter put on 48 having been put into bat.

Aitken-Drummond was the first wicket to fall before Carter and Kathryn Bryce departed to leave Scotland at 69 for three in the 16th over, with Matthews taking all three wickets.

Wicket-keeper Sarah Bryce provided the resistance for Scotland as she top-scored with 55 off 56 balls before becoming Matthews’ last victim as the Windies skipper returned figures of four for 56.

Chinelle Henry affected two runouts either side of Bryce’s dismissal as Scotland slipped to 194 for six before they lost wickets at regular intervals to post 244 all out in the 45th over.

In response, Matthews unsurprisingly led the way and was supported early on by Zaida James, who made 45 before being dismissed to leave the Windies at 120 for two.

Scotland made steady inroads without being able to get the prized wicket of Matthews before the captain had to retire hurt on 95.

Katherine Fraser then bowled namesake Cherry-Ann Fraser for a duck to see the Windies slip to 194 for seven.

With the game on a knife-edge, Matthews came back out to partner Aaliyah Alleyne, reaching her century before being left stranded on 114 not out as Alleyne was trapped in front by Abtaha Maqsood for 17 with the West Indies 12 runs away from completing their chase.

Brief Scores

Scotland v West Indies – Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, Lahore

Scotland 244 all out in 45.0 overs (Sarah Bryce 55, Megan McColl 45; Hayley Matthews 4/56, Aaliyah Alleyne 2/31)

West Indies 233 all out in 46.2 overs (Hayley Matthews 114 not out, Zaida James 45; Katherin Fraser 3/50, Chloe Abel 2/31)

Result: Scotland win by 11 runs