Hayley Matthews says she welcomes the extra responsibility associated with the captaincy, after producing a high-class innings to steer West Indies to a six-wicket win over Ireland at the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup on Friday.
Set 138 for victory in Cape Town, West Indies got home off the penultimate delivery with two runs required, Matthews carving a half-volley to the extra cover boundary to end unbeaten on 66 – equalling her career-best.
The knock came in the absence of marquee batsman and former skipper Stafanie Taylor, who was ruled out of the game with a back injury.
“I think as captain I kind of expect to take [that responsibility]. Not only captain, but I think [as] one of the more experienced batters as well,” said the 24-year-old. “I expect to go out there and have to take on a certain role and hold the responsibility of the batting. “And I think it’s been my role now for the last couple of games we’ve played over the last month or two.”
Entering Friday’s contest at Newlands needing to win in order to keep their slim semi-final hopes alive, West Indies were expertly guided by Matthews who fashioned her seventh half-century in T20 Internationals.
The Caribbean side were stumbling on 46 for two in the ninth over before Matthews anchored a 74-run, third wicket stand with Chinelle Henry (34) to rescue the run chase.
“I think throughout the entire chase it was pretty close. I think obviously it was one that went on to the final over so you’re never really sure if you kind of had it in the bag,” she explained. “But I think that as batters what we just try to do out there is continuously build partnerships. We knew once we could carry two or at least one set batter right down to the end, we will be in a really really good position. “Fortunately for me. I was able to be that set batter there at the end and ready to go.”
West Indies lost their opening two games to England and India, leaving them facing must-win scenarios against Ireland and Pakistan in their final two group games.
They take on Pakistan on Sunday at Boland Park with Matthews underscoring the value of another positive result.
“We certainly needed it (win) and like I mentioned, I think these two games for us now are probably the two most important for us to leave this World Cup with some pride and some respect,” she stressed. “[We’re] definitely looking to take this momentum into the next game and hopefully put on another good performance.”
-CMC
