CG United Women’s ODI series: All-round Matthews hands Windies Women 1st win

West Indies Women began their CG United One-Day International (ODI) Series against Ireland’s Women on a high note on Monday, defeating the visitors by 58 runs.
Led by Captain Hayley Matthews, the West Indian women put up on a formidable batting display to post 297-6 and later stifled the Irish, restricting them to 239-9.
At the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, debutant Zaida James went out to open the batting in front of her home crowd with Captain Matthews, but unfortunately did not last long, hitting 13 runs from 38 balls.

At the other end, Matthews was quite comfortable and went on to slam a century, 109 off 106 balls. Matthews’ innings included 10 fours and two sixes, before falling to Ava Canning’s bowling. The experienced Stafanie Taylor added to the commendable batting effort, hitting 55 runs from 69 deliveries, while Chinelle Henry had another half-century. Henry’s unbeaten 53 from 37 balls was the stability West Indies needed at the back end of the innings as they were in reach of the 300 mark.
Cara Murray was the pick of the Irish bowlers, claiming 3-60 from 10 overs. Canning, Arlene Kelly, and Sophie MacMahon all took one wicket apiece.
In the chase, the visitors had a similar start to the home team, with one opener returning to the dugout early, while the other dug deep to churn out the runs. Leah Paul departed early for 10 from 29 balls, thanks to Matthews’ quick action in the field to spur a run-out. Meanwhile, Gabby Lewis went on to top score for Ireland’s Women, slamming 83 runs from 102 balls, including six boundaries.
Captain Laura Delany was the only other player close to a half-century for the visitors, adding 40 from 51 balls, while Orla Prendergast pitched in with 37 from 41 balls.
It was Captain Matthews to the rescue again as she bowled 3-53 from her 10 overs. Both Afy Fletcher and Qiana Joseph took two wickets to ensure West Indies would get the home series started on the right foot.
The next ODI in the three-match series is set for Wednesday June 28 at the same venue. The first ball is set to be bowled at 09:00h.