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The opening day of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 delivered a cricketing spectacle that fans will remember for years to come. In a match that had everything—dominance, collapse, injury, and a heroic comeback—it was West Indies‘ star all-rounder Hayley Matthews who stole the show. Despite a spirited performance from Scotland that saw them pull off a major upset, Matthews’ performance was the silver lining in West Indies’ turbulent outing. From leading with the ball to returning on a stretcher to complete a century, Matthews embodied the spirit of a warrior.
Scotland’s grit sets the stage against West Indies
West Indies, having elected to field first, were perhaps expecting a straightforward outing against Scotland. But the Scottish side, determined to make a statement, put up a fight from the very first over. Openers Abbie Aitken-Drummond and Darcey Carter gave their team a solid start with a 48-run opening stand. Matthews then stepped in with the ball, dismissing both openers in quick succession, including the prized wicket of Scotland’s captain Kathryn Bryce.
Yet, the drama was just beginning. Sarah Bryce and Megan McColl anchored the middle overs with a determined 82-run partnership. Bryce played fluently for her 55, while McColl contributed a valuable 45. Despite a few hiccups in the middle overs, Scotland’s lower order ensured they reached a competitive total of 244 before being bowled out in the 45th 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 started with early disappointment as Qiana Joseph fell for a duck. However, Matthews and Zaida James steadied the ship with a 120-run partnership that had West Indies cruising. James’ 45 supported Matthews’ confident strokeplay, but once James was dismissed, the innings began to unravel.
Scotland’s bowlers tightened their grip, and the West Indies lost wickets in quick succession. Amidst this collapse, the situation took a worrying turn when Matthews went down injured and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. At that point, West Indies were still in the chase, but the psychological blow seemed to hand Scotland the edge.
Hayley Matthews battles cramp in a gut-wrenching moment
As Matthews edged closer to her century and West Indies inched toward the target, the physical toll of her immense effort became heartbreakingly evident. Around the latter part of the chase, Matthews was seen visibly struggling with cramps, a result of the humid conditions and the exertion from her earlier bowling spell and long stay at the crease. The pain soon became unbearable—her movement slowed, and she began to grimace with every run.
Eventually, the cramping forced her to collapse on the pitch, bringing the match to a sudden halt. Medical staff rushed in and, to the concern of teammates and spectators alike, Matthews had to be stretchered off the field. It was a crushing sight, especially given how crucial her presence was for the chase. However, true to her warrior spirit, Matthews returned later, fighting through the pain to finish what she had started.
Here’s the video:
Cramps couldn’t stop her. But the scoreboard did 😔
Hayley Matthews battled pain to score a heroic 114* and take West Indies deep into the chase — but they fell agonisingly short of Scotland's total 💔#HayleyMatthews #WIvSCO #WWCQ pic.twitter.com/RXEcB2fxec
— FanCode (@FanCode) April 9, 2025
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Matthews’ comeback for the ages
Just when it looked like the game had slipped out of the Caribbean side’s grasp, a familiar figure walked back onto the field—Matthews, visibly in pain, but burning with determination. With her team at 203/9 and 42 runs still required, Matthews returned to resume her innings and chase a century against all odds.
What followed was nothing short of incredible. Matthews, despite her restricted movement, timed the ball beautifully, reached her ninth ODI century, and pushed West Indies within touching distance of victory. Aaliyah Alleyne provided critical support, but with 11 runs needed, Abtaha Maqsood dealt the final blow by trapping Alleyne LBW. Matthews was left unbeaten on a heroic 114*, stranded without a partner and unable to complete the miracle.
The loss meant that West Indies slipped behind both Pakistan and Scotland in the standings, but Matthews’ performance lit up the tournament. Her all-round brilliance—four wickets, a century, and a valiant return after injury—was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing outing for her team.
Also READ: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Qualifier: Here are the complete squads of all 6 teams
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
