Matthews stars as West Indies end 15-match losing streak with thrilling six-wicket win over Ireland

By Sports Desk February 17, 2023
Captain Hayley Matthews scored 66* to lead the West Indian chase. Captain Hayley Matthews scored 66* to lead the West Indian chase.

The West Indies Women finally ended their 15-game losing streak with a six-wicket win over Ireland Women in their Group 2 encounter at Newlands on Friday.

Ireland posted 137-9 from their 20 overs, their highest total in T20 World Cups, after winning the toss and batting first.

Orla Prendergast and Gabby Lewis had a 91-run second wicket partnership to set the foundation for the Irish total.

Prendergast top-scored with 61 off 47 balls including six fours and a six while Lewis hit six fours during her 34-ball 38.

After Lewis fell in the 16th over, the West Indies bowlers did well to restrict their opponents, taking seven wickets for just 22 runs to close out the innings.

Shamilia Connell took 3-24 off her four overs while Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher took two wickets each for the Windies.

The West Indies reply got off to a decent start as openers Hayley Matthews and Rashada Williams put on 28 off 5.4 overs before Williams was run out for 17.

Shemaine Campbelle then joined Matthews and reached just eight off 10 balls before she was dismissed with the score on 46 in the ninth over, bringing Chinelle Henry to the crease to join her captain.

Matthews brought up her half-century, her seventh in T20Is, off 42 balls in the 15th over to leave the Windies needing 40 off 31 balls for victory.

The West Indies were cruising before the 16th over, bowled by Leah Paul, went for just six runs leaving the 2016 Champions needing 34 off the last four overs for victory.

Matthews and Henry put on 74 before the latter fell for a crucial 34 in the 18th over to leave the Windies 120-3 needing 18 runs off 13 balls. Henry’s knock came off 28 balls and included four fours.

Eventually, with Matthews and Shabika Gajnabi in the middle, the scenario came down to six runs needed off the last over.

The first two balls in the final over resulted in singles before Gajnabi was run out for 13 going for two off the third delivery, leaving the West Indies needing three runs from the last three balls.

Aaliyah Alleyne joined Matthews at the crease and immediately got to the other end, getting Matthews back on strike with two needed from two balls.

Matthews struck a boundary to seal the win with a ball to spare. She finished 66 not out off 53 balls including eight fours and a six.

The West Indies will need a big win against Pakistan on Sunday if they are to stand any chance of advancing.

Scores: Ireland 137-9 off 20 overs (Orla Prendergast 61, Gabby Lewis 38, Shamilia Connell 3-24, Karishma Ramharack 2-18, Afy Fletcher 2-21) West Indies 140-4 off 19.5 overs (Hayley Matthews 66*, Chinelle Henry 34).

 

 

 

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