The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier saw six teams battle it out for a spot in the main event. In the end, it came down to West Indies and Bangladesh, with both teams needing to win their final matches to secure a spot. West Indies chased down 167 in 10.5 overs, but fell short by 0.013 in net run rate.
A Nail-Biter of a Finish
Captain Hayley Matthews smashed 70 off 29 balls, and Chinelle Henry added 48 off 17. But West Indies needed to finish the job in 10.1 overs to pip Bangladesh to the World Cup spot. They fell just four balls short. The margin was heartbreakingly slim – Bangladesh finished with a net run rate of 0.639, while West Indies ended on 0.626.
Heartbreak for West Indies
The West Indies players were overcome with emotion, breaking down in tears on the field. They had come so close, but ultimately fell short.
Heartbroken West Indies players is still in disbelief over what just unfolded. They were needed to hit 4 and then six for qualification but Taylor hit six .. They won the match but wasn’t enough#WIWvTHAIW #ICCWomenQualifier pic.twitter.com/VHPETsTBgh
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) April 19, 2025
The reaction on social media was one of shock and sympathy for the West Indies team.
48(17). Last-ball six. But no ticket to the World Cup 😢
Chinelle Henry’s 48 off 17 had the West Indies dreaming. Taylor’s final six had them believing. But it should’ve been a four and then a six.
Eventually, they fell short by 0.013 NRR 💔#WWCQ pic.twitter.com/WKNgwzh4IP
— FanCode (@FanCode) April 19, 2025
Meanwhile, Pakistan topped the qualifier standings with five wins from as many matches. However, they have announced that they will not travel to India for the World Cup, opting instead for a hybrid model.
In the end, Bangladesh’s consistency throughout the tournament paid off, as they edged out West Indies for the final World Cup spot.
Unlucky 0.013. 🥲
Recapping a scarcely believable evening of heartbreak for Hayley Matthews’ West Indies as they miss out on World Cup by a Net Run Rate margin.
✍️https://t.co/TvSVrhtKX4 pic.twitter.com/tAd8gRKIzy
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) April 19, 2025