Ireland vs West Indies: Hayley Mathews hits 159 as visitors win ODI opener

Women’s One Day International Series, 1st ODI

Ireland 269 all out (49 overs) Hunter 96 (90), Lewis 39 (48); Fletcher 4-49, Matthews 3-52

West Indies 270-1 (38.4 overs): Mathews 159 (123), Grimmond 91 (107); Small 1-25

West Indies won by nine wickets

Scorecard

Captain Hayley Matthews scored 159 runs and took three wickets as West Indies Women beat Ireland in the first one-day international at Brady.

The hosts were bowled out for 269 in 49 overs as Amy Hunter fell short of her second ODI century by 96 runs.

But, led by Mathews’ brilliant innings, West Indies dominated with the bat and won by 9 wickets.

Her tally is the second highest by a West Indies women’s player in ODI history, behind Stephanie Taylor’s record of 177.

Fittingly, Mathews played the last eight balls of his knock with Taylor.

Her side’s only wicket was that of Realiana Grimmond, who was caught by Hunter for 91 off a Lewis Little delivery.

The visitors can win the three-game series at Brady on Sunday before the final game on Wednesday.

Despite Forbes losing the toss and being run out in the sixth over for 11, Ireland started strongly.

The dismissal of captain Gabby Lewis, in his 200th appearance, was a blow to leave his side 77-2 after 15 overs for 39 runs.

As Hunter scored a brilliant century, he was bowled by Affie Fletcher, who ended the match with four wickets to his name, leaving Ireland at 224-6.

Ireland could muster 25 more runs before Cara Murray was dismissed by Karisma Ramhark.

They had no answer to the bowling of Mathews, who made his 159 off 123 balls, while superb support from Grimmond and Taylor’s experience pushed the West Indies over the line comfortably.