Hayley Matthews Hits a Ton, West Indies Chases Down 212 Against Australia at Sydney
West Indies women’s team has completed the biggest chase in women’s cricket history by chasing down 212 runs posted by Australia at North Sydney Oval. Hayley Matthews, scoring 132 off 64 balls, pioneered the way for girls in maroon in a big and what at half-way stage looked like an insurmountable target.
In the first T20I, Hayley Matthews scored 98 off 72 which was followed by a centurian knock that stunned the Australian women’s team who earlier batted so brilliantly that West Indies’ will almost seem to them like an unprecedented event.
Batting first, Australia posted 212 on the board which was convincingly chased down by West Indies on the second last ball of the game. Earlier, 20-years old Phoebe Litchfield struck 18-ball half-century – which equalled the record of fastest 50 by Sophie Devine and it was fastest 50 by an Australian batter in T20 cricket. However, West Indies skipper’s mesmerizing knock stole the show later in the evening.
Matthews struck 20 fours and 5 sixes in her sublime innings and was finally bowled by Jess Jonassen. West Indies still needed 9 off last 7 balls of the game with Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry at the crease. Ash Gardner had the tough job to defend 8 runs off final over.
However, due to slow over rate Australia had only 3 fielders outside the ring which made the job easy for West Indies’ pair on crease. Three doubles and two singles did the job for West Indies and the final win was hugely cheered and celebrated by the team members in the dugout.
Hayley Matthews is Third Batter to Hit a T20I Century Against Australia
Matthews had a terrific start of her innings with back to back 3 fours of Darcie Brown’s over. She was dropped on 30 by Megan Schutt and later by Litchfield on 87. The 25 years old completed her half century in 26 balls and went on to complete her remarkable ton in mere 54 balls.
Like previous match, Matthews needed some support on the other end. Intially it looked she won’t get any but Stafanie Taylor, after starting sluggishly, hit 35-ball half century and both shared 174 runs partnership for the second wicket which really pushed Australia out of the game.
Alyssa Healy used her all 7 resources in bowling department yet all were unsuccessful in creating a winning moment for Australia. Megan Schutt was the only bowler who was spared with 30 runs coming off her 4 overs and also picking two wickets.
Australia Ticks All Boxes Before ODI World Cup 2023
Earlier, Australia had a shaky start when they found themselves two down in the second over. Then Ellyse Perry 46-ball 70 put some effort to bring back Australia’s batting innings on track. Later on, Litchfield and Wareham added 62 runs last 22 balls of Australia’s batting innings.
Both sides will move to Brisbane for the third T20I with series leveled 1-1 at the stage.
