West Indies captain Hayley Matthews is brimming with confidence ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, as she declared belief that her team has what it takes not only to top the tournament but to book their spot at the global showpiece later this year in India.
The Caribbean side is set to open their campaign against Scotland on Tuesday at 11:30pm Jamaica time, and Matthews says the squad is fully locked in and focused on the task ahead.
"As we head into the World Cup Qualifiers, we know we’ve prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family, and we’ve all been enjoying ourselves out on the park," Matthews said.
"We trust our skills and each other and are staying focused on playing our best cricket without any distractions. Winning this is a big goal for us as a team, and we’re confident in our chances to perform at a high level," she added.
The Windies are among six teams vying for the final two spots at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The lineup features a mix of familiar names and rising contenders, all with their eyes set on India. Alongside the West Indies and Scotland are hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, and Thailand.
Despite the stiff competition, the West Indies, semi-finalists in the last World Cup and winners of two previous qualifiers (2003, 2011), enter with a strong core and renewed belief. Even with Deandra Dottin sidelined through injury, the return of veterans Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry, alongside spin duo Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack, boosts their arsenal.
Another top contender, Pakistan, playing a World Cup Qualifier on home soil for the first time, will be led by Fatima Sana, who guided the team during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. After a tough run of ODI series defeats to England, West Indies, and New Zealand, the hosts are hungry for redemption.
"Leading my country in this prestigious event on home soil is a great honour. The team is excited to play with a positive mindset and give our best to secure a place in the World Cup,” Sana said.
Bangladesh, buoyed by a maiden ODI win in the Caribbean and recent series victories over Ireland and Pakistan, are also brimming with optimism. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty believes batting-friendly surfaces in Pakistan will play to their strengths.
"If our batting unit can post good totals, we know our bowlers will back us up,” Joty said.
Meanwhile, Ireland returns to the tournament they first won in 2001, hoping to recapture past glory under the leadership of Gaby Lewis. Their squad blends youth and experience, with the likes of teenage talent Kia McCartney and rising star Amy Hunter, the youngest-ever century-maker in ODI cricket.
"This tournament will test the depth of our squad,” said coach Ed Joyce, who is managing a side affected by recent injuries.
Scotland, fresh off their historic appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, are seeking their first-ever qualification for the 50-over format. Led by the Bryce sisters—Kathryn and Sarah—the team is banking on momentum and lessons learned from recent experiences.
"We’ve learned a lot over the last year. We believe we can get through these qualifiers," coach Craig Wallace stated.
Rounding out the pack is Thailand, led by Naruemol Chaiwai, who are pushing for a World Cup debut. Despite their underdog status, they bring pedigree from previous T20 World Cup qualification campaigns and strong recent form in T20 tri- and quadrangular series.