Experienced West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry believes it’s too early to make any bold predictions about what’s required to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and her side must instead concentrate on winning every match.
The West Indies remained unbeaten at this year’s T20 World Cup with a narrow seven-run victory over a gallant Scotland in Leeds on Thursday, leaving the Caribbean side sitting pretty in second place on the Group B standings ahead of remaining matches against Sri Lanka, England and Ireland prior to the knockout stages of the event.
West Indies survive Scotland scare at Headingley | Match Highlights | Women’s T20WC 2026
That next fixture with Sri Lanka in Bristol on Sunday looms as one of the most crucial contests for many of the sides chasing a semi-final berth from Group B, though Henry is taking nothing for granted as the West Indies target a second consecutive appearance in the knockout phase of the tournament following their entry into the final four in the UAE two years ago.
“This table is completely blown open, wide open,” Henry said after the West Indies’ win over Scotland.
“It’s just about trying to win all of our games and not leaving anything to chance.
“We saw how Scotland came at us tonight, like, pretty hard, so it’s just about trying to take each game one at a time and trying to play our best cricket every time we step out on the park.
“If we can do that and if we can win all our remaining games, then we’re in a better position to qualify instead of relying on other stuff.”
The West Indies were made to do it the hard way when defeating Scotland at Headingley, with Qiana Joseph and Aaliyah Alleyne picking up five wickets and allowing just 14 runs from the final two overs of the match as Scotland fell agonisingly short in their pursuit of 154 for victory.
By contrast the West Indies scored 29 from their final two overs when compiling 153/6 with the bat, as veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor (47*) finished with a flurry to boost the prospects of the Caribbean side.
Stafanie Taylor’s match-defining innings | Aramco POTM | Women’s T20WC 2026
Check the highlights from Stafanie Taylor’s match-defining innings of 47\* against Scotland at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Taylor smashed three sixes during her 19-ball cameo, turning back the clock in stunning fashion to eventually be adjudged the Player of the Match due to her quickfire innings.
While Taylor’s powerful hitting may have taken Scotland by surprise, it did not shock long-time teammate Henry.
“I mean, she has been around this team for a very long time,” Henry noted.
“She is a senior player, a top player and the way she came out to bat today, it was no surprise.
“She is always a class act, class performer, and tonight we saw that. And I mean, it was just really, really good to see.
