After a shock opening loss to Scotland, the West Indies Women regrouped and responded in gritty fashion on Friday, edging past Ireland Women by six runs in a tense encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Lahore.

Led by a composed all-round performance from captain Hayley Matthews and a crucial late-innings knock from Chinelle Henry, the Caribbean side posted 181-6 in their allotted 33 overs. Despite a spirited chase from Ireland, Matthews returned with the ball to snatch four wickets for 24 and seal a much-needed victory. Matthews also took three catches in the match.

After Ireland won the toss and sent them in, West Indies found their footing through a vital 66-run partnership between Stafanie Taylor (46 off 56) and Zaida James (36 off 54). The innings was then lifted at the back end by a powerful cameo from Henry, who struck an unbeaten 46 off 36 balls, including two fours and a six, pushing the Windies to a defendable total.

Ireland’s chase started brightly, with Amy Hunter (48 off 46) and captain Gaby Lewis (17) putting on 57 for the first wicket. But once Matthews dismissed both Lewis and the dangerous Orla Prendergast, the momentum shifted. Ireland continued to fight, with Laura Delany (32) and Christina Coulter Reilly (26) contributing in the middle overs, but Matthews and Karishma Ramharack (2-27) applied the brakes.

Ireland fell just short, bowled out for 175 in 32.2 overs, despite needing only 27 runs from the final 30 balls. Matthews was the clear standout with both bat and ball and fittingly closed out the win by dismissing Arlene Kelly, who had threatened to drag Ireland across the line.

The win gives West Indies their first points of the tournament, reigniting their World Cup qualification hopes after a disappointing start.