BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – In an awe-inspiring display of leadership and talent, Hayley Matthews, captain of the West Indies Women’s cricket team, delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure a crushing nine-wicket triumph over Bangladesh Women in the first One Day International (ODI) at Warner Park on Sunday.
The emphatic victory gives the Windies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Matthews demonstrated her brilliance by taking two key wickets with her off-spin and later crafting a scintillating, unbeaten century of 104 runs. Her Player-of-the-Match performance ensured that the hosts comfortably chased down Bangladesh’s modest total of 198 for nine, ending at 202 for one in just 31.4 overs.
A record-breaking opening partnership
The Windies’ chase was anchored by an extraordinary 163-run opening stand between Matthews and Qiana Joseph, who dazzled with a career-best 70. Although the pair began cautiously, managing just eight runs in the first three overs, they soon shifted gears. Matthews ignited the charge, hammering spinner Sanjida Akter for four boundaries in a single over and dispatching Sultana Khatun with similar ferocity.
Matthews reached her half-century in spectacular fashion, cutting Nahida Akter behind square for a boundary when the team’s score was just 67. Meanwhile, Joseph joined the action, blasting Akter for two towering sixes. She celebrated her maiden ODI fifty with a confident single off Rabeya Khan, propelling the West Indies to 129 without loss.
The partnership ended when Joseph, attempting a grand hit off Khan, was caught on the boundary. With just three runs required, Matthews scampered a single to bring up her eighth ODI century, her innings laced with 16 exquisite boundaries off just 93 balls. She sealed the victory in style, smashing Khan’s next delivery to the ropes.
Bangladesh fails to capitalize on strong start
Bangladesh initially showed promise, with opener Murshida Khatun (40) and Sharmin Akter (42) guiding the visitors to 115 for two. However, their momentum crumbled when Matthews struck twice in quick succession, reducing them to 123 for four.
Despite a valiant 54-run stand between Sobhana Mostary (35) and Shorna Akter (29), Bangladesh faltered in the death overs, losing five wickets for a mere 21 runs. Deandra Dottin led the bowling attack with figures of 3-40, supported by Matthews (2-41) and Aaliyah Alleyne (2-22).
Matthews reflected on the team’s remarkable performance, expressing pride in their execution with both bat and ball.
“It was a solid effort from the entire team. Our bowlers set the tone early, and it was a pleasure to finish it off with the bat. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in the next game,” she said.
The second ODI promises to be another thrilling encounter, as the Windies aim to clinch the series and Bangladesh seeks redemption.
