Hayley Matthews, captain of the West Indies Women’s team, has solidified her position as the undisputed No. 1 all-rounder in Women’s Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), according to the latest rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Following the weekly update of performances, the ICC confirmed Matthews’ continued dominance in the T20I player rankings. The 26-year-old Barbadian all-rounder, named ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Year for 2023, excelled in her recent performances during the five-match series against hosts Pakistan, which her team won 4-1. Matthews’ stellar displays in the series propelled her into the top five in all three T20I ranking categories.
In the updated rankings, Matthews ascended one place to third in the T20I batting rankings, climbed one spot to fifth in the bowler rankings, and maintained her significant lead at the top of the all-rounder category. Her remarkable series against Pakistan saw her amass 205 runs and claim seven wickets.
Throughout the series, Matthews showcased her prowess with both bat and ball. Despite a rare duck in the series opener, she delivered an economical spell of one for 14 in her allotted four overs. In subsequent matches, she contributed significantly with the bat, scoring briskly and making valuable contributions with the ball.
Consideration for the ICC Player-of-the-Month award for April
Matthews’ exceptional performances have also earned her consideration for the ICC Player-of-the-Month award for April. Across the two white-ball formats of T20Is and One-Day Internationals, she amassed 451 runs and took 12 wickets, further solidifying her status as a top performer in women’s cricket.
Additionally, the ICC revealed notable advancements for other West Indies Women players in the rankings. Vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle climbed 16 spots to 70th in the batting rankings, while leg-spinner Afy Fletcher rose 16 places to 25th in the bowling rankings. Despite these individual achievements, the West Indies Women’s team currently holds the sixth position in the team rankings.
Matthews’ consistent excellence on the field continues to underscore her status as a premier all-rounder in women’s cricket, contributing significantly to the success and competitiveness of the West Indies Women’s team on the global stage.
