Hayley Matthews leads West Indies to win over Ireland
Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis (Source: Twitter)
Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten 66 helped West Indies register their first tournament win as they beat Ireland by six wickets in Match 13 of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
Prendergast top scored for Ireland
After electing to bat first, Ireland got off to a slow start, losing Amy Hunter early in the powerplay with only 33 on the board at the end of six overs. However, Orla Prendergast, at three, kept the scoreboard going as Gaby Lewis was yet to find her feet at the under end.
The runs started to flow after the powerplay as both Prendergast and Lewis started to open their hands. The duo added 90 runs for the second wicket, with Prendergast completing her half-century off forty balls. Lewis kept going at the other end, and Ireland scored 82 runs in the middle overs, eyeing a big finish in the last four overs.
However, West Indies bowlers peaked at the right time, taking wickets regularly at the end, allowing only 22 runs off the last five overs and taking seven wickets in that period. The Irish could only manage 137 for nine at the end of 20 overs. Shamilia Connell was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, who ended with bowling figures of 3 for 24.
Sturdy Matthews took West Indies over the line
Hayley Matthews (Source: Twitter)
Chasing 138, West Indies got off to a very slow start as both of their openers, Rashada Williams and skipper Hayley Matthews, never got going in the powerplay. Williams got run out just before the end of the sixth over, and West Indies could only manage a 28 on the board for the loss of one wicket.
Shemaine Campbelle, at three, could not add much to the chase and made her way to the pavilion after the powerplay. Matthews was joined by Chinelle Henry, and the duo began to rebuild the chase. They added 74 runs for the third wicket, which was a match-deciding one.
Henry got out after making 34 off 28, but Matthews, at the other end, went on to complete her half-century and remain unbeaten till the end to get her side over the line.
Shabika Gajnabi played a small cameo off 13 off seven at the end, and West Indies chased down the target with one ball to spare.
Brief Scores
Ireland Women: 189/3 (20 Overs)
Orla Prendergast 61(47), Gaby Lewis 38(34);
Shamilia Connell 3/24, Karishma Ramharack 2/18
West Indies Women: 140/4 (19.5 Overs)
Hayley Matthews 66*(53), Chenille Henry 34(28);
Leah Paul 1/26, Laura Delany 1/30
West Indies Women won by 6 wickets.
.jpg)
 "Kaushik Kashyap")
