West Indies race to win over Scotland to open T20 World Cup account

Match Centre and Scorecard

Having restricted Scotland to just 99/8 in the first innings, West Indies went on the attack through Qiana Joseph, who slammed 31 (18) to put her team well ahead of the rate even while wickets fell on a tricky surface at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

And, even with four batters back in the hutch, West Indies still went on the attack, with Chinelle Henry dispatching a six over the rope early in her time in the middle, and Deandra Dottin joining in the fun with some huge hits.

Watch as Deandra Dottin finishes the game with a flurry of boundaries

West Indies reached their target in 11.4 overs with six wickets still in hand, giving them a big net run rate boost.

The win was a crucial one for West Indies, who slipped to a disappointing 10-wicket loss to South Africa in their opening match, and the two points keeps their qualification hopes in their own hands with fixtures against Bangladesh and England to come.

Scotland sit bottom of Group B after two losses, with matches against South Africa and England to conclude their group schedule.

How West Indies raced to the winning post

Scotland’s bowlers picked up key wickets to give themselves a chance, but West Indies showed real attacking intent in a fascinating second innings in Dubai.

Stafanie Taylor, moved up to open, fell in the first over when she was cleaned up by Rachel Slater for 4(3). And Scotland were jubilant when they bagged the prized wicket of Hayley Matthews (8) in the powerplay, with Kathryn Bryce holding on to a catch off Priyanaz Chatterji.

WATCH: A massive breakthrough for Scotland as Matthews departs

But a powerful effort from Joseph, who came in a spot lower at three, gave West Indies control, as she slammed 31 from 18 deliveries before becoming the second wicket to fall to Olivia Bell’s off-spin, who also dismissed Shemaine Campbelle (2).

West Indies had time to ease to the win, but opted for a different approach and raced to their target in quick time as Deandra Dottin (28 from 15) and Chinelle Henry (18 from 10) sealed the win with 8.2 overs to spare.

West Indies let out the big shots in Dubai

The story of the first innings

It was Scotland who won a delayed toss after the meeting between India and Pakistan on the same ground ran long earlier on Sunday.

And Kathryn Bryce decided to bat first, following a trend in the early days of the tournament.

But West Indies tied Scotland down in the first half of the opening innings, with Chinelle Henry standing out with four miserly overs, picking up 1/10 to leave Scotland on 45/2 at the midway point of their overs.

West Indies' double strike rocks Scotland

Both openers departed early in proceedings, with Henry bagging Sarah Bryce (2) and Deandra Dottin holding on to a catch off the bowling of skipper Hayley Matthews to remove Saskia Horley (11).

A promising partnership between Kathryn Bryce (25) and Ailsa Lister (26) gave Scotland some momentum, but Afy Fletcher removed both set batters to expose the tail.

Late cameos from Lorna Jack-Brown (11) and Darcey Carter (14*) boosted the total, but Scotland closed their 20 overs on 99/8, leaving their bowlers with a lot to do in the second innings.

WATCH: Afy Fletcher rocks Scotland recovery with back-to-back wickets

Late cameos from Lorna Jack-Brown (11) and Darcey Carter (14*) boosted the total, but Scotland closed their 20 overs on 99/8, leaving their bowlers with a lot to do in the second innings, and it proved too tough a test.