West Indies secure victory over Thailand still miss qualification

ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2025

West Indies secure victory over Thailand still miss qualification

Photo courtesy ICC

Asher Butt

West Indies delivered a commanding performance to defeat Thailand by six wickets in Match 15 of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, though the emphatic win wasn't enough to secure their World Cup qualification.

Despite chasing down Thailand's total of 166 with a remarkable 235 balls to spare, the Caribbean side narrowly missed the net run rate requirement needed to overtake Bangladesh's +0.639 and claim the final qualification spot.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with a blistering 70, including nine boundaries and a six, reaching her half-century off just 21 balls. Her explosive opening partnership with Qiana Joseph (26) set the tone as they raced to 50 runs in only 23 deliveries.

Chinelle Henry continued the onslaught with a quick-fire 48, helping West Indies complete the chase with more than 39 overs remaining. However, they needed to reach the target within 10.1 overs to surpass Bangladesh's net run rate and qualify for the World Cup. Despite their rapid scoring rate, West Indies finished with a net run rate of +0.626, falling fractionally short of Bangladesh's mark.

Earlier, Thailand struggled against a disciplined West Indies bowling attack after choosing to bat first. Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher was the standout performer with figures of 4-20, while Aaliyah Alleyne claimed 3-41 and Ashmini Munisar took 2-15. Matthews also contributed with the ball, picking up one wicket for 54 runs.

Thailand's innings was anchored by opener Natthakan Chantham, who scored a determined 66. Nattaya Boochatham (29) and Chanida Sutthiruang (21) provided some resistance in the middle order, while Nannapat Koncharoenkai contributed 14 runs. The innings featured a record 19-run ninth-wicket partnership between Chantham and Laomi, breaking Thailand's previous best in Women's ODIs.

Thailand's bowlers Phannita Maya, Chanida Sutthiruang, and Thipatcha Putthawong each claimed one wicket, but they had little answer to West Indies' aggressive approach.

With this result, Bangladesh will join Pakistan at the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup by the narrowest of margins, while West Indies' campaign ends in heartbreak despite their dominant final performance.

Brief scores:

Thailand 166 all out, 46.1 overs (Natthakan Chantham 66, Nattaya Boochatham 29, Chanida Sutthiruang 21, Nannapat Koncharoenkai 14; Afy Fletcher 4-20, Aaliyah Alleyne 3-41, Ashmini Munisar 2-15, Hayley Matthews 1-54)

West Indies 168-4 in 10.5 overs (Hayley Matthews 70, Qiana Joseph 26, Chinelle Henry 48; Phannita Maya 1-40, Chanida Sutthiruang 1-51, Thipatcha Putthawong 1-42)

WI Women won by 6 wickets (with 235 balls remaining)