The Caribbean women’s cricket team embarked on a white-ball tour to Australia, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, and the WT20I series ended with a thrilling showdown. While the Australian women clinched the three-match WT20I series 2-1, it was a spectacle of boundaries and maximums that had fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Hayley Matthews of the West Indies played a significant role in lighting up the series.
Hayley Matthews consistently dazzled with her performances throughout the series, scoring her third consecutive WT20I half-century. However, despite her heroics, the Windies couldn’t quite chase down the formidable target set by the Australian women in the third WT20I. The Aussies posted an imposing 190 runs in the first innings, and the decider hung in the balance as West Indies aimed to chase down the target to claim the series. Unfortunately for them, apart from Hayley Matthews, no other player managed to contribute significantly, and Hayley’s valiant 79-run knock couldn’t secure victory.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Hayley Matthews was not only named the Player of the Match but also the Player of the Series. Her exceptional batting display in the decider left a lasting impression, even though it didn’t result in a series win for the Windies.
What’s more, Hayley Matthews achieved another significant milestone by becoming the highest run-scorer of the WT20I series, amassing a total of 310 runs. In doing so, she surpassed the previous record held by Sophie Devine, making her the player with the most runs in a WT20I series. Sophie Devine’s previous best was 297 runs in a series against South Africa women.
With scores of 99*, 132, and 79, Hayley Matthews undeniably owned the series with her breathtaking performances. Despite ending up on the losing side in the WT20I series, she is poised to carry her momentum into the upcoming ODI series, scheduled to commence in Brisbane in just a couple of days.
As the captain of the Caribbean women’s team, Hayley Matthews has not only been a prolific run-scorer but has also led by example, inspiring her teammates to play their natural game and give their best on the field. Her leadership and remarkable batting prowess have marked her as a standout performer in women’s cricket, and fans eagerly anticipate her further exploits in the upcoming ODIs against Australia.