Captain Matthews leads Windies Women to two-wicket victory over Ireland in first T20I at Darren Sammy Stadium

By Sports Desk July 05, 2023
Matthews led from the front with three wickets and 37 runs against the Irish women. Matthews led from the front with three wickets and 37 runs against the Irish women.

A strong all-round performance from Captain Hayley Matthews helped the West Indies Women pull off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Ireland in the first T20 International at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Tuesday.

The win means the Caribbean women take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting first, Ireland were restricted to 112-7 in their 20 overs, thanks to economical and accurate bowling by Matthews, who took 3-22 from her four overs and Cherry-Ann Fraser, who returned figures of 2-22.  Debutant Ashmini Munisar took 1-16.

Ireland captain Laura Delany top-scored with 34 and got support from Eimear Richardson with 22.

In pursuit of 113, the West Indies lost wickets regularly which slowed their scoring and forced it down to the last ball for a result.

Matthews led from the front with a top score of 37. Afy Fletcher added a valuable 19 when the game looked like it was slipping away from the home team but Vice-Captain Shemaine Campbelle guided the team to a final ball single and take victory.A

Speaking after the match, Matthews said, "A lot of nerves coming down to the end but still a lot of positives we can take from today’s game. We did a good job restricting Ireland to 112 on a really good batting wicket. Personally, I was happy to contribute to the win. Ashmini Munisar, making her debut, how economical she bowled and taking her first wicket was one of the positives and it’s a good sign for the future.”

The West Indies Women will be looking to go 2-0 up in the series when the teams meet again at the same venue on Thursday, July 6.

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    Powell hit 102 off just 87 balls including 10 fours and three sixes to lead the CCC in a successful chase of 265, reaching 267-8 with five overs in hand.

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    Earlier, the Pride posted 264-7 from their 50 overs after losing the toss.

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  • Ireland frustrated by lack of discipline as home winning run ended Ireland frustrated by lack of discipline as home winning run ended

    Ireland captain Caelan Doris believes they were "not good enough" as they suffered a first home defeat in more than three years against New Zealand.

    The All Blacks ran out 23-13 winners in Dublin thanks to Damian McKenzie, while Ireland's discipline cost them late on after they had made a bright start to the second half.

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    Ireland were seeking a 20th home win in a row, but New Zealand ensured their impressive run came to a halt on Friday.

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    On Damian McKenzie, he added: "He is so mercurial, and sometimes he doesn't get it right, but when he does! He got enough right tonight, and I'm really pleased with how he controlled the game and kept calm."

  • “We have capable replacements”- Powell encourages bowlers to step up and be counted in Alzarri Joseph’s absence for first two England T20Is “We have capable replacements”- Powell encourages bowlers to step up and be counted in Alzarri Joseph’s absence for first two England T20Is

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    “Every time England comes to the Caribbean it’s a big rivalry. England is one of the best teams in the world so it definitely brings out the best in us from a T20 perspective,” Powell said.

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    Another added thought in the mind of players in the format this time of year is the looming IPL player auction.

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    “A lot of scouting has already been done. I don’t think five games would actually change the decisions of where IPL teams will go. It’s just for us from an individual standpoint to focus on what we can contribute to our team and leave the rest to whatever,” he said.

    With the ODI team just winning their series, Powell was asked about whether or not there is pressure for the T20 side to do the same.

    “There is always pressure, especially playing at home against such a good opponent,” he said.

    “Fortunately for us as a T20 team, we’ve been managing that pressure pretty well, so far,” he added.

    The first T20I bowls off tomorrow at 3:00pm JA time/4:00pm ECT.

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