West Indies Women made a dominant start to their tour of Zimbabwe, cruising to a commanding 99-run victory over the hosts in the first One Day International (ODI) in Harare.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the regional side powered to 299 for six in their allotted 50 overs. The total was the second-highest for West Indies in the format, bettered only by the 368 scored against Sri Lanka in 2013.
Opener Matthews was dismissed with five balls remaining in the innings, having stroked 182 from 156 deliveries, including 26 fours and two sixes.
The knock was the sixth-highest individual score in women’s ODIs and the highest by a West Indian, after she surpassed Stafanie Taylor’s 171 against Sri Lanka in 2013.
Her opening partner Realeanna Grimmond added 53, as the pair featured in a 128-run opening stand. Grimmond hit seven fours and a six during her third ODI half-century.
Matthews and Grimmond aside, West Indies batters struggled, however, as Chinelle Henry’s 19 on her return to the squad following injury was the next best score.
Francisca Chipare was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, after taking two wickets for 57 runs, while there was also a wicket apiece for Beloved Biza, Nyasha Gwanzura and Tendai Makusha.
Always facing an uphill battle to reach a substantial victory target, Zimbabwe were all out for 200 in the 44th over, after opener Modester Mupachikwa held the innings together with a well-played 86 from 106 balls, including seven fours and one six.
From 100 for two in the 22nd over, Zimbabwe’s innings imploded following a disciplined bowling effort from West Indies, despite the absence of Matthews, who did not bowl due to cramp.
Aaliyah Alleyne took three for 34, Jannillea Glasgow two for 27, Ashmini Munisar two for 27, and Afy Fletcher two for 31.
West Indies’ victory was their fifth in consecutive ODI matches and also gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which continues on Sunday at the same venue.
Speaking after the game, Matthews was delighted to have made a positive start.
“It’s pretty nice to be able to spend some time and to get some runs and yeah a new PB for myself. I definitely set some high goals coming into this series so yeah just pretty happy I’ve been able to start well.”
Matthews continued, “As much as I can, I try to set an example out on the park with the bat and well not the ball today but just in general with performances.”
The captain was also happy with her team’s bowling during the series opener.
“It was really good to see so many people in the wickets today, with everyone really playing a role and it shows that we certainly have a lot of options,” she explained.
(KH)
The post Matthews leads Windies’ charge in Harare appeared first on Barbados Today.