West Indies Women's failed to qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time in 25 years. Despite giving their best performance, they fell short in qualifying by the barest of margins. Bangladesh's NRR was 0.639, whereas the West Indies Women managed to maintain the NRR of 0.629. Such a small margin to get out of the World Cup. The host Pakistan won 5 out of 5 matches to qualify easily, Bangladesh and West Indies won 3 matches each, which made Bangladesh qualify over NRR.
This match was played under the Women's World Cup Qualifiers, This tournament is specifically for those who fail to qualify based on the team ranking. West Indies, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand, these women's teams participated in this tournament, and Pakistan and Bangladesh qualified for the World Cup as they were the table toppers at the end of the tournament. This qualifier not only determines the final entrants for the World Cup but also provides invaluable international experience to emerging teams, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of women's cricket globally.
West Indies Women's were struggling in this tournament as they had to face losses against Scotland and Pakistan. Hayley Matthews, the captain of WI W, was incredible throughout the tournament. She scored 240 runs at an average of 60 and took 13 wickets at an average of 15.84. Such a great all-rounder she is! She is not just a great player, but she is a brave player. During the match against Scotland women, Hayley had to be stretchered off because she was in serious pain due to cramps. She was on 99 when she left the field, and the team was 8 down. The very next ball wicket fell, and despite being in such pain, she came back and completed her 100. They lost the match, but it was because of Hayley that they fought till the end.
West Indies W played the last match of the Women's World Cup Qualifier against Thailand W. In the 1st innings, WI managed to restrict Thailand to a low score of 166. Afy Fletcher of WI bowled brilliantly along with Aaliyah Alleyne and Ashmini Munisar. These 3 bowlers took 9 wickets, and 1 wicket was taken by Captain Hayley Matthews. For the West Indies to qualify, they need to chase this target in 10 overs, which seems impossible in an ODI match. Hayley again started the innings well and led their batting by scoring 70 runs off 29 balls. Eventually, they fell short of the target as they scored only 156/3 in the 10 overs.
West Indies thought it was all over, but the dream of playing was not shattered yet. At 10.4, they were 5 short of the target, and to increase their NRR, they needed a four and a six. New batter Stafanie Taylor was on strike; she hit it so well that it went for the six, and despite winning the match, they were in tears.
All they needed was a four when 5 runs were needed, and then ending the match with a 6. It was a great tournament for the West Indies Women, but all goes in vain. Specifically, the captain gave all on the field but fell short by the barest of margins. Hayley Matthews, after the exit from the World Cup, said that, We all feel like the 50-over World Cup is the pinnacle of any tournament you want to be part of, and as a team ranked six or seven, it's quite disappointing not to make it.
The heartbreak for West Indies Women at the 2025 World Cup Qualifiers will be remembered not just for the narrow exit, but for the sheer spirit they showed till the very last ball. Falling short by a margin of just 0.01 in net run rate speaks volumes about how every run and every over mattered in this tournament. Hayley Matthews led from the front with remarkable courage and all-round brilliance, yet fate had other plans.
While Pakistan and Bangladesh march on to the World Cup, the West Indies walk away with pride, knowing they gave it everything. This qualifier served as a reminder of how unpredictable and emotional sport can be, where a single boundary can be the difference between dreams realized and dreams delayed.
About the Author
Advait Kadam is a sports writer at Vygr Media, specializing in cricket coverage and match analysis. With a background in Sports Management and a passion for storytelling, he brings sharp insights and fresh perspectives to every game.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr’s views.
With inputs from agencies
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