West Indies Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Scotland Clash
West Indies’ hopes of advancing in the Women’s T20 World Cup hang in the balance as they await injury updates on key players ahead of their crucial match against Scotland on Sunday.
A crushing ten-wicket defeat to South Africa on Friday was compounded by an injury to opening bowler Zaida James, who suffered a blow to the jaw while attempting a return catch. James left the field and underwent medical assessment, leaving her availability for the Scotland match uncertain.
Captain Hayley Matthews also expressed concerns about Stefanie Taylor’s fitness, who played through discomfort in her knee during her innings of 44 not out. Taylor is scheduled for a medical evaluation before training on Saturday.
The intense heat in Dubai, with temperatures reaching 38° Celsius, also took its toll on several West Indies players. Matthews acknowledged the challenging conditions but expressed confidence in their ability to adapt.
Despite the setbacks, Matthews praised Taylor’s resilience and leadership. “She’s a huge part of us and she has been to West Indies cricket from 2008,” Matthews said. “Her importance within the team has never gone down, it’s probably only gone up more and more as the years have gone on.”
West Indies will need to regroup quickly and find a way to overcome their batting struggles. Matthews and Deandra Dottin fell cheaply, leaving Taylor to carry the team’s hopes.
The match against Scotland is crucial for West Indies’ chances of reaching the semi-finals. A victory would keep their hopes alive, while a defeat would likely end their tournament.