The final match of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 had it all – high stakes, raw emotion, and a finish that left hearts heavy. With just one World Cup spot left up for grabs, the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion. As Bangladesh had already completed their campaign, all eyes were on the West Indies, who not only needed a win but also had to surpass Bangladesh’s Net Run Rate (NRR) to qualify.
Facing Thailand, the West Indies launched a blistering chase of 167, breaking records by wrapping up the innings in just 10.5 overs powered by a breathtaking 70 off 29 balls from Hayley Matthews. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, they fell short of the qualification mark by the slimmest of margins, leaving the team and their fans heartbroken and helpless.
West Indies had done half the job by restricting Thailand to 166, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance led by Afy Fletcher’s four-wicket haul and Aaliyah Alleyne’s sharp three-wicket burst. But what followed was nothing short of a high-pressure masterclass in crunch-time cricket.
This wasn’t just a chase, it was a game of numbers, of tight equations and ticking clocks. To qualify for the World Cup, West Indies needed to hunt down the target of 167 in just 10.1 overs. Alternatively, they could stretch it to 11 overs but only if they managed to level the scores at 166 and finish the game with a six.
With everything on the line, West Indies came out firing on all cylinders, leaving nothing in the tank. Captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with a fearless knock that will be remembered for years, blasting 70 off just 29 balls, laced with 11 fours and 2 sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 241.37. Her half-century was not only electric but historic, becoming the second-fastest fifty in women’s ODI history.
She shared a blistering 81-run stand off just 35 balls with Qiana Joseph, who played the perfect supporting role with a quickfire 26 off 12. However, the momentum took a hit when Joseph fell in the 6th over, followed by Matthews in the 7th, leaving West Indies at 105 for 2, still in the hunt, but with the pressure mounting.
Just when it seemed like the momentum might slip away, Chinelle Henry stepped up and reignited the charge with a breathtaking display of power-hitting. She hammered 48 off just 17 balls, smashing 3 fours and 5 towering sixes, keeping the dream alive for the West Indies. With her explosive batting, the Windies raced to an astonishing 156 for 3 in just 10 overs, setting a new record for the highest-ever score in a powerplay in women’s ODI history.
But the script took another cruel twist. Henry fell on the second ball of the 11th over, and with that, the first equation was out of reach. All hopes now rested on the second, more complicated one. At 162 for 4 in 10.4 overs, they needed a four on the fifth ball to level the scores and then a six on the final delivery to edge past Bangladesh on NRR. Stafanie Taylor, the seasoned veteran, stepped up and sent the fifth ball soaring over the ropes for a six. West Indies had pulled off a sensational win, but it wasn’t enough.
Despite chasing down 167 in 11 overs, they missed qualification by the slimmest of margins, their Net Run Rate falling just short. Victory had never felt so bittersweet.
