March 4
West Indies won the match against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup at the Bay Oval here on Friday.
West Indies Women defeated the Sophie Devine-led New Zealand by three runs after the Caribbean side had scored a competitive 259/9 in 50 overs.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 began when when Deandra Dottin smashed the first ball of the match to the boundary. But it was the West Indies’ opener standing at the other end that soon stole the show.
Hayley Matthews wasn’t even certain to open the batting after some recent appearances in the middle order, but looked composed through the early overs even as two partners fell cheaply.
After steadying the innings alongside Stafanie Taylor, Matthews was soon plundering the White Ferns bowlers and finished with 16 fours that included a creative scoop, and one huge six.
The 23-year-old carried her bat and a sore hamstring through to the 45th over before being caught off the bowling of Jess Kerr for her highest ODI score of 119.
Jess and Amelia Kerr again showcased their qualities with the ball during the West Indies’ batting innings. While Jess ended up with figures of 2/43 in her 10 overs, Amelia kept it tight with a spell of 1/33.
Jess scalped first got the dismissal of Kycia Knight (5) and then would also scalp the star of the Windies batting order, Hayley Matthews for 119.
Amelia wasn’t far behind, maintaining a disciplined line and length throughout and trapping Shemaine Campbelle for 20.
Hayley Matthews, who herself emerged ‘Player of the Match’ following her peerless century and 2/41 with the ball, said she liked the way Dotting walked up to the skipper and said she wanted to bowl the last over.
West Indies were well and truly in the game with their opponents on 72/2 in the 19th over when Sophie Devine lofted a drive toward mid-on and Shamilia Connell.
The pace bowler hardly had to move as the ball came her way but wasn’t prepared for it to dip quickly and spilled a simple chance to claim the key wicket of the New Zealand skipper.
The dangerous Devine was on 37 from 59 balls at the time and looked far from comfortable but went on to make the most of another life with a stunning century, the sixth of her career.
The New Zealand skipper was in sublime form, cracking 10 fours in a knock of 108 and it seemed as that she would single-handedly guide the hosts to a victory. But Chinelle Henry’s exceptional caught and bowled to dismiss her proved to be one of the biggest turning points of the contest.
For the Windies though, their fielding will be a major area of concern. Overall, they would drop 5 catches in the contest – an area that they will have to heavily work on before the next match.
