Alleyne hails character as Windies Women claim ODI series
Key Points(5)
- Aaliyah Alleyne says the West Indies Women never lost confidence in their ability to win the One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe, even after suffering a surprise defeat in the second match.
- The visitors settled the three-match series 2-1 with a commanding 91-run victory in the deciding ODI at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, producing a complete performance with bat and ball.
- Captain Hayley Matthews set the tone with a magnificent 118, her second century of the series, while Shemaine Campbelle narrowly missed three figures with a 96 that helped carry West Indies to 271 for five.
- The bowlers then completed the job, with Alleyne, Ashmini Munisar, and Jannillea Glasgow claiming two wickets each as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 180 in 47.3 overs.
- Setback sparked a reset The emphatic response was particularly important after Zimbabwe had stunned the visitors with a four-wicket victory in the second ODI.
Aaliyah Alleyne says the West Indies Women never lost confidence in their ability to win the One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe, even after suffering a surprise defeat in the second match.
The visitors settled the three-match series 2-1 with a commanding 91-run victory in the deciding ODI at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, producing a complete performance with bat and ball.
Captain Hayley Matthews set the tone with a magnificent 118, her second century of the series, while Shemaine Campbelle narrowly missed three figures with a 96 that helped carry West Indies to 271 for five.
The bowlers then completed the job, with Alleyne, Ashmini Munisar, and Jannillea Glasgow claiming two wickets each as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 180 in 47.3 overs.
Setback sparked a reset
The emphatic response was particularly important after Zimbabwe had stunned the visitors with a four-wicket victory in the second ODI.
Alleyne, who finished the series as its leading wicket-taker with seven dismissals, said the team used the defeat as an opportunity to identify its shortcomings rather than allow the setback to derail its campaign.
“I think when we played the second ODI we were a bit disappointed. We had a few meetings and we discussed where we went wrong and where we could have gotten better and I think today [Wednesday] showed that when we give ourselves a chance the sky is the limit.”
The all-rounder acknowledged that the team had initially targeted a clean sweep but quickly shifted its attention toward securing the series.
“We were disappointed because when we came here we spoke about collecting all six points … but that’s how cricket goes. We just reflected and we came back harder and I think that just shows the character of this team and we’re just looking to move on from here,” Alleyne said.
Matthews and Campbelle provide the foundation
The deciding match was built around a substantial batting effort, with Matthews once again leading from the front.
Her 118 provided the centerpiece of the innings, while Campbelle’s 96 supplied crucial support as the pair combined to put West Indies in a commanding position.
Alleyne highlighted the importance of those partnerships in setting up the victory.
“And I think the captain leading from the front by scoring that century and then Shemaine Campbelle as well, having that partnership shows what partnerships can do,” she said.
The lower order also made a contribution, with Jannillea Glasgow and Jahzara Claxton producing a valuable partnership late in the innings before the bowlers took over.
Bowlers finish the job
West Indies carried their momentum into the second innings and steadily dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup.
Alleyne, Munisar, and Glasgow each took two wickets as Zimbabwe struggled to build a sustained response and were eventually bowled out for 180.
For Alleyne, the victory was the clearest indication that the team had successfully responded to its earlier disappointment.
“And then you had Jannillea Glasgow and Jahzara Claxton coming on at the end and having that wonderful partnership and then to top it off bowling out Zimbabwe.”
The 2-1 series victory gives the West Indies Women a positive finish to the tour and, according to Alleyne, provides further evidence of the team's ability to recover when challenged.
