A masterclass in chasing from West Indies captain Hayley Matthews saw the visitors claim a nine-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first ODI of their three-match series. Chasing a competitive target of 270, Matthews smashed a breathtaking, unbeaten 159. In the process, she became the second-highest ODI scorer in West Indies women’s cricket, behind Stafanie Taylor’s 171 against Sri Lanka in 2013.
Ireland women post a competitive total
Earlier in the day, after the West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl, Ireland posted a respectable total of 269 before being bowled out in the 49th over. Ireland’s top order laid a solid platform. The foundation of Ireland innings was a superb, fluent knock from young wicketkeeper-batsman Amy Hunter. However, Hunter fell for 96 off 90 balls, an innings laced with 10 boundaries and a solitary six.
Captain Gaby Lewis made a brisk 39 with Orla Prendergast (30) and Louise Little (27) contributed valuable middle-order runs. But the hosts could not maintain momentum and West Indies kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher led the attack with an excellent 4 for 49 from her 10 overs, using her variations effectively, while Hayley Matthews underlined her all-round value with 3 for 52 to help restrict Ireland.
Hayley Matthews shines with historic innings
In reply, any hopes Ireland harboured of putting early pressure on the Caribbean outfit were completely extinguished by a spectacular, marathon opening partnership between Matthews and Realeanna Grimmond. The duo put together a massive opening stand that broke the spine of the Irish bowling attack. Grimmond anchored the innings with a patient yet fluent 91 off 107 deliveries, studded with11 boundaries. She was finally dismissed by Louise Little late in the piece after scoring second fifty-plus score in her 6th ODI.
The afternoon ultimately belonged to Hayley Matthews. The West Indies captain was ruthless, striking 24 boundaries and two sixes in a masterful unbeaten 159 from 123 balls. Her scoring rate, close to 130, drained Ireland’s hopes and ensured the chase never wobbled. After reaching her century in 90 deliveries, she continued with the same intensity rather than giving Ireland a chance. Stafanie Taylor arrived late to help finish the job, as West Indies sealed victory with 68 balls to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brief Scores: Ireland 269 all out in 49 overs (Amy Hunter 96; Afy Fletcher 4-49, Hayley Matthews 3-52) lost to West Indies 270/1 in 38.4 overs (Hayley Matthews 159*, Realeanna Grimmond 91) by 9 wickets
Player of the match: Hayley Matthews
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