Matthews sparkles again as WI Women take series

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC):

Captain Hayley Matthews continued to leave an indelible mark on the series, carving out an eighth Twenty20 International half-century as West Indies Women strolled to an uncomplicated eight-wicket win over Ireland Women here yesterday.

In pursuit of 113 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, West Indies Women overhauled their target with 20 balls to spare, with Player-of-the-Match Matthews hitting exactly 50 from 39 balls.

Unlike Tuesday’s opener at the same venue, no drama attended the chase this time around, opener Matthews putting on 40 for the first wicket with Rashada Williams (16), and a further 46 for the second wicket with Shabika Gajnabi (17 not out), to erase any chance of an Ireland comeback.

When Matthews perished, in-form Chinelle Henry struck a 12-ball unbeaten 22 in a 28-run, unbroken third-wicket stand with Gajnabi, which took West Indies Women to a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Earlier, the hosts’ bowlers proved clinical after Ireland Women opted for first knock, as they limited the visitors to 113 for seven from their 20 overs.

Opener Amy Hunter top-scored with 33 from 35 balls with four fours but, thereafter, only captain Laura Delany showed any enterprise with 20 from 35 balls.

Ireland Women lost early wickets to be 17 for two in the third over before being boosted by two key partnerships. First, Hunter and Delany put on 41 for the third wicket and, when the middle order collapsed, Rebecca Stokell (15) and Arlene Kelly (13) added 23 for the sixth wicket.

In reply, West Indies were given a strong start, Matthews sparkling in an innings which contained nine boundaries while Williams counted two fours.

Williams was eventually stumped off medium pacer Kelly but Matthews marched on to her landmark off 37 deliveries before falling in the very next over.

Henry wasted little time in finishing the game, however, lashing three fours and a six in her brisk knock.

The final game of the series is set for tomorrow.