West Indies Women’s World Cup Qualification in Jeopardy Following Defeat by Pakistan

The West Indies women’s cricket team finds itself teetering on the brink of elimination from the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup following a disheartening 65-run defeat against Pakistan in the World Cup Qualifier held in Lahore. This second loss in three matches has severely jeopardized their qualification hopes, leaving them in a precarious position in the six-team standings. The team’s struggles were evident as they failed to chase down Pakistan’s modest total of 191, ultimately being bowled out for a mere 126. With only the top two teams securing a spot in the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in September 2025, the West Indies face an uphill battle in their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Thailand.

The match began with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Gaddafi Stadium. Despite a promising start by the West Indies bowlers, who managed to restrict Pakistan’s scoring rate and pick up early wickets, the home side managed to post a competitive total. Sidra Amin top-scored with a patient 54, while contributions from Muneeba Ali (33), Sidra Nawaz (23), Aliya Riaz (20), Omaima Sohail (16), and Fatima Sana (15) helped Pakistan reach 191 before being bowled out in the final over. Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, and Karishma Ramharack were the pick of the West Indies bowlers, each claiming two wickets.

The West Indies’ chase got off to a disastrous start when captain Hayley Matthews was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings. This early setback triggered a collapse, with needless run-outs further compounding their woes. Despite several batters getting starts, including Jannillea Glasgow (18), Chinelle Henry (14), Stafanie Taylor (17), Shabika Gajnabi (21), and Aaliyah Alleyne (22), none could convert their starts into substantial scores. The middle order crumbled under pressure, and the tail offered little resistance, resulting in the West Indies being bowled out for 126 in 39.2 overs.

Fatima Sana spearheaded the Pakistan bowling attack, claiming impressive figures of 3 for 16. Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu also chipped in with two wickets apiece, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup and securing a comfortable victory for their team. The West Indies’ inability to build partnerships and capitalize on starts ultimately proved to be their undoing.

This defeat leaves the West Indies in a difficult situation, needing to win their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Thailand to keep their World Cup hopes alive. They currently sit in fourth place with two points, trailing Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Scotland. Pakistan leads the table with six points after three victories, while Bangladesh and Scotland are tied on four points each. The West Indies’ next match against Bangladesh on April 17 will be crucial in determining their fate.

The West Indies will need a significant improvement in their batting performance if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the World Cup. The loss of their captain and star player, Hayley Matthews, early in the innings proved to be a turning point in the match against Pakistan. The team’s inability to cope with the pressure and build partnerships after her dismissal highlighted their reliance on her contributions. The middle order will need to step up and take responsibility in the remaining matches, while the bowlers will need to continue their good work in restricting the opposition’s scoring. The West Indies face an uphill battle, but they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying if they can win both their remaining matches.