West Indies secured a convincing 58-run victory over Ireland in the opening women’s ODI in Gros Islet as a result of an outstanding all-round performance by Captain Hayley Matthews. Matthews led the charge with a superb century and followed it up with a three-wicket burst to guide her team to success.
Opting to bat first, the hosts faced an early setback with the early dismissal of debutant Zaida James. However, Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, relying on their experience, steered the innings forward after a slow start. The duo built a remarkable partnership of 156 runs off 153 balls for the second wicket.
Matthews played the aggressor’s role, reaching her fifty off just 53 deliveries and accelerating her scoring rate thereafter. She achieved the impressive milestone of a century in a mere 96 balls, comprising nine boundaries and two sixes. On the other hand, Taylor reached her well-deserved fifty off 62 deliveries but was dismissed soon after for a solid contribution of 55 runs.
Good News for cricket fans in West Indies 🥳🤩#CricketTwitter #WIvIRE pic.twitter.com/tbH1VZXPmW
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 26, 2023
Taylor’s dismissal opened a window of opportunity for Ireland, as West Indies suffered a brief collapse, losing three wickets for a mere six runs in the span of ten balls. However, Chinelle Henry came to the crease and played a crucial inning, smashing an unbeaten 53 runs off just 37 deliveries. Her knock was adorned with seven boundaries, propelling West Indies to a formidable total of 297 for 6. Among the Irish bowlers, Cara Murray emerged as the most successful, claiming three wickets.
In pursuit of the challenging target, Ireland adopted a cautious approach, managing only 35 runs during the powerplay phase. Opener Gaby Lewis displayed determination and resilience, holding the innings together. She first stitched together a 67-run partnership with Orla Prendergast (37) for the second wicket and later combined forces with captain Laura Delany, adding a valuable 71 runs.
However, Hayley Matthews once again proved her worth, this time with the ball. She first dismissed the well-set Lewis for an impressive 83 runs and then swiftly removed Delany from the crease. With no other batter able to provide substantial resistance, Ireland concluded their innings at 239 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Matthews finished her spell with exceptional figures of 3 for 53 in ten overs, while Afy Fletcher and Qiana Joseph contributed with two wickets each. Unsurprisingly, Hayley Matthews was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match accolade for her remarkable all-round performance.
West Indies kick-started their campaign with a win against Ireland in the 1st ODI by 58 Runs.
Hayley Matthews scored a sensational 109 Runs and picked 3 wickets.#CricketTwitter #WIvIRE pic.twitter.com/svme08tLpZ
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 27, 2023
In summary, West Indies’ commanding victory over Ireland was largely attributed to Hayley Matthew’s exceptional batting display, where she scored a brilliant century, complemented by her impactful bowling performance. Matthews received valuable support from her teammates, particularly Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry, while Ireland’s Gaby Lewis fought valiantly but couldn’t prevent her team’s defeat. The comprehensive win sets a positive tone for West Indies in the series and highlights their dominance in the opening encounter.
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