Matthews confident West Indies will reach semi‑finals

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews remains upbeat about her team’s semi‑final prospects despite a 38‑run defeat to England at Lord’s, their first loss of the Women’s T20 World Cup. The Caribbean side now face a straightforward equation: beat Ireland in Bristol on Saturday and they advance. Matthews welcomed the clarity, noting that qualification being “in our hands” puts the group in a strong position. Chinelle Henry’s impressive 51 was a rare batting highlight in an otherwise inconsistent campaign, with Matthews acknowledging that several key players, including herself and Deandra Dottin, are yet to fire. Still, she believes the team’s best cricket is ahead.

Matthews urged her squad to stay confident and play fearlessly, while recognising Ireland’s ability to spring surprises in T20 cricket. A second world title remains the ambition, and Matthews is convinced that if West Indies hit their stride, they will be difficult to stop in the knockout rounds.