The West Indies Women defeated hosts Pakistan by eight wickets in the fifth and final T20 International at the Karachi National Stadium on Friday to complete a 4-1 series victory.
Pakistan, after being put in to bat by the West Indies, had an excellent start to their innings with Ayesha Zafar and Sidra Ameen putting on 38 for the first wicket before Zafar fell in the fifth over for 22.
Ameen and Muneeba Ali then put on a further 46 before the latter fell for 25 in the 13th over.
That same over saw Pakistan reduced to 86-3 when Nida Dar fell for two.
What proceeded that can only be described as a collapse as the hosts then lost their next five wickets for just 35 runs in five overs.
They eventually ended their 20 overs 134-8. Ameen was the final person out for a top score of 48 as Afy Fletcher was excellent with the ball for the Windies with 3-17 from her four overs.
Qiana Joseph also bowled well with 2-26 from four overs.
The successful chase was then anchored by superstar batter Hayley Matthews.
The skipper faced 59 balls and hit 11 fours on her way to a top score of 78 as the West Indies needed just 18.2 overs to reach 136-2.
Shemaine Campbelle provided good support with 33.
Matthews was named player of the series thanks to her 205 runs and seven wickets.
Full scores: Pakistan 134-8 off 20 overs (Sidra Ameen 48, Muneeba Ali 25, Ayesha Zafar 22, Afy Fletcher 3-17, Qiana Joseph 2-26)
West Indies 136-2 off 18.2 overs (Hayley Matthews 78, Shemaine Campbelle 33)
West Indies Women suffered their first loss on their tour of Pakistan as the hosts secured an eight-wicket win in the fourth T20 International at the Karachi National Stadium on Thursday.
Excellent Pakistan bowling meant the tourists were restricted to just 84-9 off their 20 overs after winning the toss and batting first.
Shemaine Campbelle (26), Zaida James (19) and Jannilea Glasgow (10) were the only West Indian batters to get double-figures as Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar dominated with 3-18 from four overs and 3-19 from four overs, respectively.
Pakistan then needed only 16.3 overs to reach 87-2 and secure their first win of the series. Ayesha Zafar led the way with 42* off 48 balls while Gull Feroza finished 21* off 24 balls.
Afy Fletcher and Shamilia Connell took a wicket, each, for the Windies.
Full Scores: West Indies Women 84-9 (Shemaine Campbelle 26, Sadia Iqbal 3-18, Nida Dar 3-19)
Pakistan Women 87-2 (Ayesha Zafar 42*, Gull Feroza 21*, Afy Fletcher 1-6, Shamilia Connell 1-8)
Hayley Matthews starred once again to lead the West Indies Women to a tense two-run win over Pakistan Women in the third T20I at the Karachi National Stadium on Tuesday.
The tourists first posted 132-5 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat.
Matthews led the way with a 49-ball 68 including 10 fours while Shemaine Campbelle provided good support with 31 against 2-22 from Fatima Sana.
Pakistan were then restricted to 130-8 from their 20 overs in reply.
Sidra Ameen led the way with 63 off 58 balls including seven fours.
Afy Fletcher took 2-20 from her four overs while Matthews completed a fine al-round performance with 2-22 from her four overs.
Pakistan at one point were cruising at 119-3 in the 18th over before a pair of Matthews wickets led to a collapse saw the hosts losing their next five wickets for just six runs.
In the end, Shamilia Connell successfully defended 12 runs in the final over.
The West Indies now hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series with the final two games set for Thursday and Friday.
Full Scores: West Indies Women 132-5 (Hayley Matthews 68, Shemaine Campbelle 31, Fatima Sana 2-22)
Pakistan Women 130-8 (Sidra Ameen 63, Afy Fletcher 2-20, Hayley Matthews 2-22)
In yet another stunning performance, West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews led her team to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan Women, securing a 2-0 lead in their five-match T20 series in Karachi on Sunday.
Matthews showcased her all-round prowess by first starring with the ball, taking an impressive 3 wickets for just 25 runs to restrict Pakistan Women to 121-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a resilient 55 from Muneeba Ali, the hosts struggled against the visitors’ bowling attack, with Matthews leading the charge. She received support from Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack, and Afy Fletcher, each claiming a wicket to stifle Pakistan’s batting efforts. Matthews also contributed to a crucial run-out that ended Pakistan’s innings.
With a manageable target of 122 for victory, Matthews continued her dominance, opening the batting for West Indies Women. She began her innings aggressively, smashing 10 boundaries on her way to a match-high 58 runs off just 43 balls. Her attacking display laid a solid foundation for the run chase.
Supported by contributions from Shemaine Campbelle (21) and Chedean Nation (unbeaten 17), Matthews guided her team to victory in emphatic fashion, sealing the win with 10 balls to spare.
Matthews’ outstanding performance with both bat and ball underscores her invaluable role as a leader and key player for the West Indies Women’s team. Her contributions have been instrumental in securing consecutive victories against Pakistan Women, setting a strong foundation for the remainder of the series.
The West Indies Women will look to build on this momentum as they aim to maintain their winning streak and clinch the series against Pakistan Women in the upcoming matches.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has once again encouraged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to invest and reward the region’s female cricketers in the same manner as the men.
Mottley, who first made the call last year, used the platform on Thursday’s opening day of the CARICOM conference on West Indies cricket themed ‘Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket’, to once again lobby for more attention to be paid to women’s cricket.
“It is the young people and I’m happy that finally it is not just boys, but boys and girls who will become the men and women who can become these global citizens with Caribbean roots. My heart filled with pride this week when Hayley Matthews was heralded by Wisden as the T20 Cricketer of the Year, and it did so because Mr. President, when you and I first met when you took over, it was actually International Women’s Day, March 8, and I asked you then to start the journey of removing the discriminatory practices between men and women,” Mottley said at the event in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Practices that go as far as the quality of the coverage and the camera covering the game, meaning that it becomes less alluring to those who may not be fully engaged purely because when you look at IPL and you look at the women playing cricket in many other jurisdictions it just doesn’t even look the same. That cannot be a metaphor for our own development and the fact and the obligation of removing the discrimination that exists between men and women’s cricket is absolutely critical,” she added.
Mottley declared her belief that the time was right for a historic mixed-gender cricket game to be played in the region.
“I have said to you, and I offer you now publicly again, that Kensington Oval, that iconic ground, could be a location where we break new ground again in history by having a mixed-gender game, recognizing that in the Olympics you’re going to soon have mixed gender relays and we don’t need to wait on others to lead us, but we can resume the leadership in ensuring that as the game has evolved from Test, to 50-over, to T20, to the increase in women’s cricket, that ultimately that will soon be the next step,” she shared.
On that note, the Prime Minister, pointed out that it was also important that opportunities be created for not only male and female cricketers, but for persons who have skills in other areas.
“We have an obligation to be able to level the field by the investments that we have to make in this sport, recognizing that not all may make the team and wear that maroon, but all can participate at different levels to make a living," Mottley noted.
“Whether it is exporting persons to help in coaching across the world…whether it is through the ability of us to have as many of our youngsters play. Whether it is in the creation of the supply of world class and first-class umpires, whether it is in people who are in the business of keeping the field, the outfield and the pitches in good form, or in the ability to sell pitches to the United States of America instead of them buying from Australia. Whatever it is, we must plan now the careful investment that will allow us to see this as a viable productive and economic sector," she ended.
West Indies sealed a thrilling one-run win in the first women's T20I against Pakistan in Karachi. The visitors posted 122 after a disciplined bowling performance from Pakistan, which was spearheaded by Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal. But West Indies' bowlers responded in kind, shackling the Pakistan innings and turning the chase into a nervy one that went to the death. In the end, it would boil down to two runs off the final delivery, but Shamilia Connell beat the bat, and Shemaine Campbelle behind the stumps effected the run-out.
In the first of five T20Is, West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first as they looked to continue their 100% record in Pakistan on this tour. But on a pitch that gripped under the lights, it was Pakistan who started stronger as Iqbal struck of the second ball to send the talismanic captain Hayley Matthews back for a duck. Diana Baig, the most economical of the Pakistan bowlers, trapped Campbelle behind soon after to leave West Indies wobbling at 14 for two. The partnership between Qiana Joseph and Stafanie Taylor that followed did steady the ship, but Pakistan never quite let them get going.
A pair of valuable cameos - both Chedean Nation and Chinelle Henry scored 13 off 9 balls - helped West Indies tip over the run-a-ball mark, but Pakistan would have felt they had a slight edge at the halfway mark.
That advantage was bolstered by a dynamic innings from opener Sidra Ameen, whose 17-ball 23 put Pakistan ahead of the asking rate by the end of the powerplay. But losing both her and Gull Feroza within four balls of each other without adding to the score brought West Indies roaring back into it, and when Karishma Ramharack cleaned up Ayesha Zafar after a stilted innings, the visitors had edged ahead. But Pakistan captain Dar's 24-ball 27 saw Pakistan seize the advantage again as the game balanced on a tightrope throughout the innings.
It all came to a head in a dramatic final over, with Connell bowling. When Najiha Alvi smacked the penultimate ball for an exquisite inside-out cover drive for four, Pakistan appeared, for one final time, to be sneaking home. But a dot ball would follow, and as Pakistan hearts were broken, West Indies' streak held firm.
West Indies 122 for 9 (Joseph 34, Taylor 30, Sana 3-24) beat Pakistan 121 for 8 (Dar 27, Ramharack 4-15) by one run
Captain Hayley Matthews once again played a starring role to help the West Indies Women complete a 3-0 One-Day International (ODI) series sweep over hosts Pakistan on Tuesday.
The West Indies made an imposing 278-6 off their 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first at the Karachi National Stadium.
Captain Hayley Matthews continued her magnificent form shown throughout the series with 141 off 149 balls including 19 fours while Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle both made meaningful contributions with 47 and 38, respectively.
Matthews’ knock means she ends the three-match series with an impressive 325 runs.
Nashra Sandhu took 3-54 to lead the bowling for the hosts while Fatima Sana took 2-67 in support.
An excellent all-round bowling effort then allowed the West Indians to restrict Pakistan to 190 with three overs and one ball remaining.
Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz tried their best for the hosts with 38 and 36, respectively.
The West Indian bowling was led by Hayley Matthews, Aliyah Alleyne and Stafanie Taylor who took two wickets each.
Matthews was named player of the series with 325 runs and six wickets.
The teams will now turn their attention to the five-match T20 series which begins on Friday.
Full scores: West Indies Women 278-6 off 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 141, Stafanie Taylor 47, Shemaine Campbelle 38, Nashra Sandhu 3-54, Fatima Sana 2-67)
Pakistan Women 190 off 47.5 overs (Muneeba Ali 38, Aliya Riaz 36, Aaliyah Alleyne 2-10, Hayley Matthews 2-26, Stafanie Taylor 2-29).
West Indies Women's captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day International (ODI) at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.
Matthews played a pivotal role in setting up the win, first with the bat and then with the ball. She showcased her batting prowess by scoring an impressive unbeaten 140 runs, anchoring the West Indies' innings to a challenging total of 269-8 in their allotted 50 overs. Matthews' innings was decorated with 15 boundaries (fours) and a well-struck six.
After losing an early wicket, Matthews combined forces with Shemaine Campbell to forge a crucial partnership of 102 runs for the second wicket. Campbell contributed a valuable 45 runs to the cause before departing.
Chinelle Henry (23) and contributions from Chedean Nation and Aaliyah Henry, who scored 17 each, further solidified the West Indies' innings as Matthews led from the front, steering her team to a formidable total.
In response, Pakistan Women struggled to build partnerships against the disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Tuba Hassan top-scored with 25 runs, while Muneeba Ali and Nahida Alvi made contributions of 22 and 20 runs, respectively.
However, it was Matthews who turned the game decisively in her team's favor with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets for just 17 runs. Afy Fletcher and Zaida James also made significant contributions with the ball, picking up two wickets each to bundle out Pakistan Women for 156 runs in 35.5 overs.
Sadia Iqbal (2-38) and Tuba Hassan (2-48) were the standout bowlers for Pakistan, but they couldn't contain Matthews' brilliance.
With this commanding victory, West Indies Women have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan Women, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the upcoming matches.
Following the non-selection of Guyanese Ashmini Munisar, Plaffiana Millington and Shabika Gajnabi, top performers in the recently concluded CWI Blaze T20 and Super50 Cup tournaments, for the West Indies Women’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is questioning Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) criteria/measuring stick used for selection.
Munisar, Millington and Gajnabi were among the leading performers in the recent CWI Women's Super50 and T20 Blaze tournaments, either with bat, ball or both, but were somehow overlooked ahead of the Pakistan tour.
CWI released their 15-member squad ahead of the upcoming eight-match Series which bowls off April 6 in Pakistan, with Guyana skipper Shemaine Campbelle being named vice-captain and all-rounder Cherry-Ann Fraser, the only Guyanese in the team.
“The non-inclusion of Munisar, Millington and Gajnabi comes as a shock, as the trio played outstanding cricket throughout,” the board expressed in a statement on social media on Thursday.
In the batting department, Guyana had 3 players in the top five run scorers for the T20 Blaze, with Gajnabi, Campbell and Mandy Mangru occupying spots 2, 3 and 5 respectively.
Gajnabi, a regular face in the Windies Women's team, finished as the second leading run-scorer overall in the T20 Blaze and top run-getter for Guyana, with 138 runs at an average of 34 and a top score of 52.
Campbell, who was selected for Pakistan, ended as the 3rd leading scorer behind Gajnabi, with an aggregate of 128 runs, also ended with the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper (6).
In Women's Super50 Cup, Munisar finished as the leading wicket-taker with 12 victims and a best of 5-15, which was also the best figures of the Super50 by any bowler.
She was followed by countrywoman Niya Latchman who was the next best wicket-taker in the 50-Overs with 11 wickets, as the latter also had a selection-warranted season with the ball.
The Guyanese trio statistically outplayed almost all of the other selectees for the upcoming tour, with the non-selection of three premier performers in both the T20 and Super50 now being questioned by the GCB.
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection Panel has announced the 15-member squad for the tour to Pakistan in April-May. The eight-match Series comprises three (5) T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three (3) One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Kate Wilmott was rewarded with a call-up to the senior team for the first time, having displayed commendable performances with her right-arm medium pace during the recently concluded CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments.
Qiana Joseph and Chedean Nation, who also had credible performances were recalled to the team, having missed out on the last tour to Australia in 2023.
Lead Selector for Women’s cricket Ann Browne-John said “The upcoming series against is extremely important for the team as they return to international competition after almost six months, the last series being against Australia. Apart from the three ODI, the team will get some much-needed T20 matches as they prepare to participate in the T20 World Cup later this year.”
Browne-John added, “The return of experienced player Chedean Nation will strengthen the batting and 19-year-old Fast Bowler Kate Wilmott will be making her debut. The players have just completed the regional tournament where some of the experienced players had encouraging performances, and it is hoped this will continue into the Pakistan series.”
Following the ODI Series, a gripping five-match T20I series will unfold from 26 April to 3 May. This T20I series will not only offer thrilling cricket action for fans but will provide important competitive cricket for both teams to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which is due to take place after the Women’s CPL in Bangladesh in September.
The West Indies Women will assemble in Dubai from 6 April for a one-week training camp as part of their preparations for the upcoming Pakistan tour.
Full Squad
West Indies Women Tour to Pakistan Schedule
All matches to be played at National Bank Stadium (NBS), Karachi
6-14 April – Pre-Tour Preparation Training Camp, Dubai
14 April - West Indies Women arrive in Karachi
18 April - 1st ODI, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)
21 April - 2nd ODI, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)
23 April - 3rd ODI, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)
26 April - 1st T20I, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi
28 April - 2nd T20I, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi
30 April - 3rd T20I, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi
2 May - 4th T20I, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi
3 May - 5th T20I, Pakistan v West Indies, NBS, Karachi
West Indies Women's cricketers Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman, Kycia Knight and Kyshona Knight have confirmed their retirement from international cricket. All four players recently communicated their decisions to Cricket West Indies (CWI).
Mohammed and Selman, both served as vice-captain during their careers which spanned 20 years and 18 years respectively. Mohammed made her debut for the West Indies Women in 2003 at the age of 15 against Japan Women in an ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in the Netherlands. Her last match was against Australia Women in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in March 2022.
She played 141 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 117 T20 Internationals (T20Is). She took 180 ODI wickets, with a career best of 7-14 against Pakistan. Additionally, she tallied 125 T20I wickets and in 2016 she became the first cricketer (male or female) to take 100 T20I wickets. She also has the distinction of being the first West Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in a Women’s T20I and was a member of the West Indies Women’s team, which won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India in 2016.
Mohammed, in her announcement, said the last 20 years of her career have been truly amazing.
“I have enjoyed every single minute of it. The highs and the lows. I believe the time has come for me to step away from the game and allow the young players to live their dreams as I have lived mine. I was privileged enough to step onto the field wearing my maroon 258 times in my career. I have represented West Indies in five (5) ODI World Cups and seven (7) T20 World Cups. To my fellow teammates, thank you for all the love and respect shown to me during my time with you. You'll have made my journey a memorable experience. I would also like to thank WI, coaches, managers, and medical staff for believing in me and always ensuring I was in the best possible place to represent the West Indies. To my fans, it has been an honor representing you over the last 20 years. The love, support, encouragement, and respect from you'll gave me the motivation to keep doing what love most," she shared.
Selman, who started her international career against Ireland Women in Dublin in 2008, quickly established herself as a key member of the West Indies Women’s team. She played 100 ODIs taking 82 wickets and 96 T20Is where she took 51wickets. Selman was also a member of the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winning squad.
In a heartfelt statement, Selman pointed out that the goal of her journey was to inspire others.
"This marks my final bow after 18 incredible years. I am proud of playing with and against legends, and lucky to have dismissed a few. My aim was always to inspire and assist others in their dreams. I owe immense gratitude to God, my supportive family and friends, and to CWI, my teammates, and the medical and management teams for their unwavering guidance. To the fans, your support has been my motivation. As I transition to the next phase of my career, I look forward to continuing to share my passion for the game in new ways," she said.
The Knight twins, Kycia and Kyshona made their debuts for West Indies Women in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Kycia, a left-handed wicketkeeper/batter holds the record for the most dismissals in Women’s T20I innings with five, as well as the most stumpings in an innings of four, and tied for most catches in an innings also with four. She played 87 ODIs and amassed 1327 runs, complemented by her 70 T20I appearances in which she scored 801 runs.
Kyshona played 51 ODIs in which she scored 851 runs. That goes with her 55 T20Is appearances and 546 runs.
The Knight sisters in a joint statement said the memories of their respective journeys will be cherished. Both were also a part of the successful West Indies women's team that won the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup.
“As this marks the end of an enjoyable and amazing journey, we would like to take this time to thank our family, friends, teammates and supporters for the continued love and support throughout the years. None of this would’ve been possible without the support and love from you guys, and for that we are forever grateful. Lastly, thank you to CWI for the opportunities granted and memories that will be forever cherished," they said.
Meanwhile, CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe paid tribute to the four cricketers.
“Anisa, Shakera, Kycia and Kyshona have had all made significant individual impacts on women’s cricket the West Indies and the world. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have not only elevated our team but also captivated cricket fans worldwide. Their legacies, as members of the title-winning ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad of 2016 and individual milestones, will continue to influence and guide future generations to aspire to wear the Maroon," Bascombe noted.
West Indies Women suffered an 8-wicket defeat to Australia in the 3rd One Day International at Junction Oval, which gave Australia a 2-0 series win in the three-match series, after the second game was abandoned due to rain.
The West Indies Women were sent in to bat first and they struggled against a disciplined Australian bowling attack, failing to post a challenging total. Wicketkeeper/batter Rashada Williams once again led the team with the bat as she top-scored with a patient 23 off 71 deliveries. Skipper Hayley Matthews was next best with 23 off 17 falling for the second time in series to Kim Garth. Cherry-Ann Fraser provided some late hope at the end of the innings with 19 off 34 deliveries, which included a mighty 6. Annabel Sutherland was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing with figures of 4-0-23-3, followed by Tahlia McGrath with 3.4-0-10-2.
In their run-chase, skipper Alyssa Healy ensured her team got their quickly, with a 27-ball 32. Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney were at the crease when victory was achieved in 15.3 over, on 29 and 11 respectively.
This tour was always viewed as a challenging one for the West Indies Women, aimed to exposing the younger brigade to conditions starkly different from the Caribbean and to compete against the top-ranked side in the world. The main goal was learning and adapting, and in that sense, there were takeaways.
Despite the setbacks in the ODI series, the T20I series had previously highlighted the raw talent and potential the West Indies Women possess. They showed their ability to not only compete but also snatch a world-record win the 2nd T20I against the best in the business.
In the post-match presentation, captain Hayley Matthews reflected on the ODI series. She said, “I think for us we definitely got to find a way for more of our batters to chip in. It's disappointing for many of us, especially throughout the ODI series not being able to get totals on the board. However, we recognize the calibre of the opposition and knew the challenges of this tour. But reflecting upon our performances, we believe we can and should do better.”
The road ahead for the West Indies Women is an exciting one, with away series lined up against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2024, but the team's eyes are firmly set on the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next September-October.
While the tour's results may not have been in their favour, the lessons learned will undoubtedly serve as a building block for the future. The journey to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be one to watch, with the West Indies Women looking to bounce back stronger.
Match Schedule and Results
1 October: 1st T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney – Australia won by 8 wickets
2 October: 2nd T20I at North Sydney Oval, Sydney – West Indies won by 7 wickets
5 October: 3rd T20I at Allan Border Field, Brisbane – Australia won by 47 runs
8 October: 1st ODI at Allan Border Field, Brisbane – Australia won by 8 wickets
12 October: 2nd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne – 10:05am local time (7:05pm October 11 Eastern Caribbean/6:05pm Jamaica)- Match abandoned
14 October: 3rd ODI at Junction Oval, Melbourne – 10:05am local time (7:05pm October 13 Eastern Caribbean/6:05pm Jamaica)- Australia won by 8 wickets
In a game that was punctuated by rain and finally abandoned due to it, the West Indies Women and Australia Women split the points in the second ODI of the series. The inclement weather conditions meant that both teams had to be content with just one point each from the game, affecting the race for the vital ICC Women's championship points.
Australia, after winning the toss, made the strategic decision to bowl first, aiming to exploit any assistance the overcast conditions might provide. And their decision appeared vindicated as they restricted the West Indies Women to 107-8 in the shortened game of 29 overs per side.
Making a return after being rested for the opening game, skipper Hayley Matthews seemed to find some rhythm with a run-a-ball 20, punctuated by four boundaries. Opening with her was Rashada Williams, who made a patient 23 from 33 deliveries.
But it was Aaliyah Alleyne, continuing her rich vein of form, who shone brightest for the West Indies Women. Alleyne's 28 not out from 41 balls, inclusive of four boundaries, was the top-score of the innings. She steadied the ship and kept the scoreboard ticking when wickets were tumbling at the other end.
Just as it seemed like the West Indies might push towards a competitive total, the rains made a comeback. With just a few overs left in their innings, the weather conditions deteriorated to a point where further play was deemed impossible.
Reflecting on the game and her return, Hayley Matthews shared her mixed feelings. "It was good to be back...but I would've liked to have scored some more runs," she admitted. Highlighting the need for improvement, she said, "Seeing how the game was going, we have a lot of areas to improve. As batters, we just have to...really look to put on a better performance."
Both teams will return to Junction Oval for the final ODI on Saturday. With this game washed out, the upcoming match will carry extra significance, as both teams will be keen on securing a win and the associated ICC Women’s Championship points.
Former West Indies Women’s player Eugena Gregg was inducted into the Hartford Connecticut Cricket Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 7.
At the ceremony held at the Marriott Hotel in Hartford, the 57-year-old Gregg was inducted in acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to cricket including her input towards growth and development, her service to the community and the many lives she impacted both as a player and administrator.
Gregg, a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter, was the first St Lucian to represent the West Indies Women and appeared in 10 One Day Internationals between 1993 and 1997. She was captain of the St Lucia Women’s team.
She made her ODI debut for the West Indies at the 1993 World Cup in England. At the World Cup, Gregg played in six of her team's seven matches, taking three wickets.
She was retained in the squad for the 1997 World Cup in India, and appeared in every match at the tournament and took a career best 3-35 from seven overs against Denmark.
She and Patricia Felicien were the only Saint Lucians in the squad, and the first Saint Lucians to be selected in any West Indies squad.
Gregg was named St Lucia’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 1988, 1990, 1991, 1993 and in 1997 when she was named St Lucia’s Sportswoman of the Year.
In 2006, she was elected President of the South Castries Cricket Association. Two years later she won the Ministry of Youth Development Award for outstanding administrative roles and contributions to the development of cricket in St Lucia.
She was named manager of St Lucia’s Women’s Junior and Senior Cricket teams and between 2017 and 2019 was the manager of the West Indies Women’s team.
Hayley Matthews is hopeful a leg injury won't interrupt the form of her life after the West Indies captain claimed an incredible eighth-straight player-of-the-match gong to cap a historic series against Australia.
The opener blasted 79 off 40 balls in a 47-run loss to Australia in Brisbane's series decider on Thursday night, having already mustered an unbeaten 99 off 74 and 132 from 64 on Sunday and Monday.
She became the first player to score more than 300 runs across three women's T20I games as West Indies fell just short of a first series win against the world champions.
"I don't think so," the 25-year-old said when asked if she'd ever been in better form. "Being able to notch up 300 runs in a three-game T20 series is something unbelievable. I set targets coming down here and I can tell you it definitely wasn't getting 300 runs in three T20s."
The sides begin a three-game ODI series in Brisbane on Sunday with Matthews hopeful a quadriceps niggle won't keep her from leading an improving team who, she knows, rely on her deeply.
The captain said she felt some tightness in Monday's second game. She was troubled by it again on Thursday and will have scans to determine the severity of the injury.
"I felt my quad pulling a bit from the last game when we were in the field. I was running for a ball and felt it again so maybe a little strain there but we're going to assess it when I cool down, and have a better picture of what's going on," she said.
"Hopefully it's nothing too serious and I'm all ready to go in the first game for the ODI series," she added.
Matthews was playing for the Barbados senior women's team as a 12-year-old, debuted for her country at 16 and powered the successful chase against Australia to win a T20 World Cup when she was 18.
Matthews' wicket on Thursday at Allan Border Field triggered a collapse of 5 for 7, West Indies falling from 97 without loss to be all out for 143.
"I know that I have a big impact on the way that the game goes," she said.
In 27 T20 innings as captain Matthews averages 40, compared to an average of 18 in 61 innings without the responsibility.
"Sometimes, it can be stressful, but as a leader they're things you have to put on your shoulders," she said. "And in the second game I couldn't win that game without what Stafanie [Taylor] did. How I've been batting here is just trying to play really, really good cricket shots and that's my exact plan going into the 50-over series as well.
"If I get fluent I'll be happy with that, but there's definitely a lot less pressure to score quickly."
West Indies have won once in 15 ODI meetings against Australia, Matthews confident her inexperienced middle order will fare better with less pressure to score quickly in the longer format.
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