Women’s T20 World Cup: Campbelle, Alleyne optimistic ahead of Scotland clash

It was a magical start to the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup campaign for the West Indies’ women, toppling defending champions New Zealand by seven wickets, on the back of an unbeaten 90* from Shemaine Campbelle and a four-for from Aaliyah Alleyne on Saturday last.
As the Caribbean side prepares for their second fixture against Scotland today, the camp is brimming with confidence.
Much of that confidence, according to Alleyne, comes from knowing they can get the job done without their “big name” players.

Alleyne explained, “We’ve been saying that we have a lot of youth coming through, and we said that this is one of our better teams. So, I think it was just for each person to put up our hands, and I think it’s always good for our cricket to see that we’re winning without Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry. It could show that any eleven we put out there is a threat to any team.”
Looking at today’s opposition, Guyanese wicketkeeper/batter Shemaine Campbelle says they will not be underestimating Scotland.
“All the teams are going to come hard. Scotland, you know, they’ve been improving, and they get good players that could play a good brand of cricket. So, for us, it’s just to go out and play positive cricket and don’t take anyone for granted,” Campbelle shared.
Quizzed on whether or not the Maroon Women will be fixated on revenge after being ousted from the 50-over World Cup Qualifier by Scotland, Campbelle had other priorities.
Refusing to dwell on the 11-run loss to Scotland that kept them out of the 2025 World Cup, Campbelle responded, “We’re just going to come and play hard cricket, and they will come hard as well, but for us, it’s just to remain confident, positive and just come and play West Indies brand of cricket.”
Looking at the broader competition, Alleyne shared what she thinks will be crucial to their success.
“Been watching a couple of games, and I see that fielding is going to be very crucial, and I think us as a unit, we just have to take every opportunity. We’re not perfect, but maybe 95% or 98% of those opportunities, we need to take,” Alleyne opined.
She assured, “We just have to stay focus, stay together and enjoy the game.”
The West Indies women will take on Scotland from 13:30h today, Thursday, June 18, at the Headingley Ground in Leeds.