In a commanding performance, Hayley Matthews, the captain of West Indies Women’s cricket team, led her side to a resounding 113-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the first ICC Women’s Championship One-day International.
Matthews, the 25-year-old Barbadian all-rounder, delivered a Player-of-the-Match performance, scoring an unbeaten 140 runs from 150 balls, which included 15 fours and one six. Her stellar batting effort propelled the Caribbean side to a formidable total of 269 for eight after they opted to bat first in the 50 overs-a-side match at the National Stadium on Thursday.
Not content with just her batting exploits, Matthews also made significant contributions with the ball, taking three wickets for 17 runs from six overs with her flighty off-spin. Her bowling performance played a pivotal role as Pakistan Women were bundled out for 136 runs in 35.5 overs, handing West Indies Women a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The victory earned West Indies Women two crucial points in the ICC Women’s Championship table, aiding their quest for direct qualification to next year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. With 10 points from 13 matches, they currently occupy the ninth position in the standings, with aspirations to secure one of the five direct qualification spots alongside the hosts.
A crucial second-wicket partnership of 102 runs
Despite a shaky start with the bat, losing an early wicket, Matthews and her deputy Shemaine Campbelle steadied the innings with a crucial second-wicket partnership of 102 runs. While Campbelle contributed 45 runs, none of the other West Indies Women’s batsmen managed to make substantial contributions.
In the bowling department, West Indies Women maintained pressure on the Pakistani batting line-up, with Matthews leading the charge. She triggered a collapse, claiming key wickets to dismantle the opposition’s batting order. Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and left-arm spinner Zaida James also made valuable contributions with two wickets each.
The second ODI is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the same venue, with the third ODI following two days later, as West Indies Women aim to continue their winning momentum against Pakistan.
