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West Indies fall just short despite lightning-fast win over Thailand
Published : 19 Apr 2025, 08:29 PM
Bangladesh have secured a place in the Women's ODI World Cup as the second-best side in the qualifiers, narrowly edging out West Indies on net run rate.
On Saturday in Lahore, West Indies chased down Thailand’s 166 in just 10.5 overs and won the match by six wickets — but failed to meet the net run rate target required to qualify.
To reach the World Cup, West Indies needed to overhaul the target within 10.1 overs.
There was another possible route — tying the score and finishing the match with a six before 11 overs — which also would have taken them through.
They, however, managed neither, falling agonisingly short despite a stunning display of power-hitting.
With a complex equation in play, West Indies needed 10 runs off the final two balls — a four to level the scores, followed by a six to win inside the qualifying window.
But Stafanie Taylor misread the scenario and launched a six straightaway, sealing the win but also sealing their exit.
That one swing broke Caribbean hearts and opened the World Cup doors for Bangladesh.
West Indies needed a near-miraculous finish against Thailand to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
They got within touching distance but stumbled at the final hurdle.
Despite the win, a late miscalculation saw their dreams crumble, while Bangladesh, along with Pakistan, marched into the main event.
With three wins from five games, West Indies ended third in the standings with six points and a net run rate of +0.626.
Bangladesh, also on six points, edged ahead on net run rate at +0.639 to clinch the second qualifying spot.
Pakistan swept the table clean, winning all their matches to finish top.
Banking on an early collapse and a brisk chase, West Indies opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
But things didn’t go to plan, as Thailand’s top order stood firm, all four of their frontline batters reaching double figures.
Thailand’s openers laid a solid platform. Nattaya Boochatham made 29, while Chanida Sutthiruang chipped in with 21.
At number three, Nannapat Koncharoenkai added 14 runs to the tally.
The innings was anchored by Nattakan Chantham, who top-scored with 66 before falling as the final batter.
None of the last seven players managed to reach double digits, but a string of handy partnerships lifted Thailand past 150.
West Indies found success through leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, who picked up 4 for 20.
Aaliyah Alleyne grabbed three wickets for 41 runs.
In response, West Indies exploded out of the blocks.
Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph launched a rapid-fire opening stand worth 81.
Joseph cracked 26 off just 12 deliveries, featuring 1 six and 4 fours, before falling.
Matthews went on a rampage, smashing 70 from 29 balls with 2 sixes and 11 boundaries. Then Chinelle Henry stormed into the chase, blasting 48 off only 17 balls, clearing the rope five times and hitting three fours, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
But despite the fireworks, West Indies ran out of time and space to rewrite their fate.
