The West Indies Women’s cricket team showcased their dominance in the recent 3-match ODI series against Ireland Women, winning the series 2-0. Led by captain Hayley Matthews, the West Indies team displayed exceptional performances in both batting and bowling. Ireland, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing and couldn’t match the prowess of their opponents.
Match 1: West Indies won by 58 runs
In the first ODI West Indies winning the toss opted to bat first and put up a formidable score of 297 for 6. Matthews batted brilliantly scoring a century and also forming a 156-run partnership with Taylor. Taylor and Henry too contributed with the bat, both scoring half-centuries. Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland claiming three wickets.
In response, Ireland struggled to build partnerships and were cautious in their approach during the powerplay. Opener Gaby Lewis held the innings together with a gritty knock of 83, but she lacked support from the other end. Matthews, who had already impressed the ball as well, picked up three crucial wickets. Ireland finished their innings at 239 for 9, falling short by 58 runs. Matthews was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for her all-round performance.
Match 2: Abandoned due to rain
The second game of the three-match series was interrupted by rain. West Indies women in the 32-over game decided to bowl first. The bowlers performed brilliantly reducing Ireland to 36 for 5 in only 8.4 overs played. Due to rain interruption the reduced match was abandoned.
Match 3: West Indies won by 6 wickets
In the third and final ODI, West Indies once again won the toss and elected to field Ireland, batting first, struggled to build partnerships as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Gaby Lewis, once again, stood tall amidst the collapsing innings and scored an unbeaten 95 off 121 balls. However, she lacked support from her teammates, and Ireland were bowled out for 203 in their allotted 50 overs. Afy Fletcher was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, claiming three wickets
Chasing a modest target of 204, West Indies lost early wickets but were resurrected by a brilliant partnership between Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry. The duo added an unbeaten 110 runs for the fifth wicket, guiding their team to victory with 8.5 overs to spare. Taylor remained unbeaten on 79, while Henry contributed with a quickfire 53. This victory sealed the series for West Indies, who displayed their dominance throughout the series.
1st ODI: West Indies won by 58 Runs
2nd ODI: No Result
3rd ODI: West Indies won by 6 WicketsWest Indies win the ODI series 2-0#CricketTwitter #WIvIRE pic.twitter.com/bvkwGP67JP
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 2, 2023
The West Indies Women’s cricket team showed their superior skills and depth of talent during the ODI series against Ireland. Hayley Matthews, Stafanie, Taylor, and Chinelle Henry were standout performers for the hosts, consistently contributing. Gaby Lewis was the lone warrior for Ireland, displaying immense resilience and skill in her batting performances.
West Indies emerged as clear winners, securing 5 points from the series and improving their position on the Women’s Championship table. Ireland, on the other hand, is at the bottom with just one point from their nine outings.