Matthews stars as WI Women go 2-0 up
Published:Saturday | July 10, 2021 | 12:08 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
Hayley Matthews picked up where her skipper left off from the first One Day International by starring with both ball and bat in game two, to help the West Indies come away with a clinical eight-wicket win against Pakistan at Coolidge in Antigua.
Matthews first bagged two wickets for 17 runs in eight overs, and then returned to hit 49, as the West Indies lost just two wickets chasing down 121 for victory.
Matthews, who batted with little pressure, stroked nine fours in her 58-ball knock to set up the comprehensive victory. The right-handed opener narrowly missed out on her fifth ODI half-century, after she was run out by Diana Baig, after setting off for the quick single to get to her 50.
“I planned to spend some time (at the wicket). It was a low score we were chasing and as batters, it was the best time to get our confidence up and face some balls. Unfortunately, I got out one run short, but I am still happy with the performance,” said Matthews.
The Knight sisters, Kyshona and Kycia, then took the West Indies to within 24 runs of victory, however, the latter Knight was also run out attempting a second run.
Deandra Dottin then came in and hit three fours to quickly wrap up the match, as Kyshona Knight was left not out on a patient 39 from 90 balls with four fours.
PAKISTAN FAILING TO ANSWER WINDIES
Earlier, Matthews and the rest of the West Indies spinners were brilliant with the ball, as the Pakistanis could not find the answers with their innings stuttering to 120 in 42.4 overs.
Matthews, who came into the attack last, picked up the wicket of innings top scorer Muneeba Ali for 37, to leave the visitors reeling at 79 for four in the 23rd over.
She then had Nida Dar caught for 20, after which off-spinner Anisa Mohammed took over to bag four wickets for 27, to further sink the Pakistanis.
Trinidadian off-spinner Karishma Ramharack also chipped in with two for 27 in nine overs, while there was a wicket apiece for Shamillia Connell and Shakera Selman.
Matthews, who was named Player of the Match, said she was elated that her all-round performance was able to help the team go two up in the five-match series.
“I am really happy to be able to contribute to a team win. Going out there, we had a goal of restricting them to under 180 runs and we did a fantastic job getting them to 120,” said Matthews.
The teams will meet in the third match of the series on Monday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound.