In the opening match of the three-match ICC Women’s Championship 2022-2025 fixture, Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar performance to lead the West Indies Women to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women at the National Bank Stadium.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the West Indies got off to a flying start, with Matthews leading from the front with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 140 runs. The 26-year-old from Barbados showcased her class, striking 15 boundaries, including a six, in her 150-ball innings. Matthews’s superb century, her fifth in 81 matches, propelled her team to a formidable total of 269 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. She received valuable support from Shemaine Campbelle, who contributed 45 runs to the partnership of 102 runs for the second wicket.
In reply, Pakistan Women faced an uphill task from the outset as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite a valiant effort from Tuba Hassan, who scored a quickfire 25 runs off 23 balls, the home team struggled to build substantial partnerships. Matthews showcased her all-round abilities by also making significant contributions with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 17 runs in six overs. Afy Fisher and Zaida James provided excellent support, picking up two wickets each to restrict Pakistan to 156 all out in 35.5 overs.
For Pakistan, only Muneeba Ali and Nida Dar offered resistance with scores of 22 and 19 runs, respectively, as the West Indies bowlers maintained a tight grip on the proceedings throughout the innings.
With this convincing victory, the West Indies Women took a 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the upcoming matches.
Player of the Match: Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women)
The second ODI between the two teams is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 21 April, at the National Bank Stadium at 9:30 am local time.
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