The West Indies Women's cricket team grabbed a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match Women's One-Day International series by defeating Ireland with a resounding 58-run victory at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, the West Indies put up a formidable total of 297/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Hayley Matthews led the charge with a sensational performance, notching her fourth ODI century with a magnificent knock of 109 runs off just 107 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Stafanie Taylor, the seasoned campaigner, showcased her class as she recorded her 40th ODI half-century, contributing 55 runs off 68 balls, laced with 4 fours. Chinelle Henry also played a vital role, registering her maiden ODI fifty in a brisk innings of 38 balls, featuring 7 boundaries. The West Indies set a challenging target for Ireland to chase.
Cara Murray emerged as the standout bowler for the Irish side, finishing with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 60 runs in her allotted 10 overs. Ava Canning, Arlene Kelly, and Sophie MacMahon also made contributions to the bowling effort, claiming a wicket each.
When it was Ireland's turn to bat, they struggled to keep up with the required run rate and fell short in their pursuit of the target. The West Indies bowlers turned on the pressure, with Hayley Matthews showcasing her all-round skills by claiming 3 wickets for 53 runs in her 10 overs. Afy Fletcher and Qiana Joseph provided valuable support, both picking up 2 wickets each.
Despite the efforts of Gaby Lewis, who top-scored with 83 runs off 100 balls, and captain Laura Delany, who contributed 40 runs off 53 deliveries, Ireland could only manage a total of 238/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Orla Prendergast made a valuable contribution of 37 runs, but it was not enough to bridge the gap, resulting in a convincing victory for the West Indies.
The West Indies Women displayed their dominance in both batting and bowling, firmly establishing themselves in the series. The Irish team will have to regroup and come back stronger in the remaining matches to level the series. The second match of the series promises to be an exciting contest as Ireland seeks redemption and the West Indies aims to extend their lead.
Brief scores:
West Indies Women 297/6 in 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 109, Stafanie Taylor 55, Chinelle Henry 53 not out; Cara Murray 3-60) defeated Ireland Women 239/9 in 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 83, Laura Delany 40; Hayley Matthews 3-53, Afy Fletcher 2-49, Qiana Joseph 2-53) by 58 runs.