Hayley Matthews delivered a masterclass with her 10th ODI century as West Indies Women secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the third ODI at the National Cricket Stadium, Grenada. Hayley Matthews’ brilliant 100 not only powered the successful chase of 218 but also earned West Indies crucial ICC Women’s Championship points despite losing the ODI series 2-1.
Hayley once again proved why she is one of the most influential players in women’s cricket, producing a complete all-round performance that shaped the outcome of the ODI clash. Her century, crafted with composure and authority, came at a vital moment for West Indies Women in the ICC Women’s Championship cycle.
Hayley Matthews Strikes Early to Rattle Sri Lanka Women
The ODI began with Sri Lanka Women winning the toss and choosing to bat first, but Hayley made an immediate impact with the new ball. Operating as captain and opening bowler, Hayley Matthews dismissed Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu in the very first over, setting the tone for West Indies Women.
The early breakthrough placed Sri Lanka Women under pressure in the ICC Women’s Championship encounter. Hayley Matthews returned impressive figures of 2 for 33 from her 10 overs, maintaining tight control and limiting scoring opportunities. Her disciplined bowling complemented the efforts of Karishma Ramharack, who also picked up two wickets to restrict Sri Lanka Women to 217 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Harshitha Samarawickrama Anchors Sri Lanka Women
Despite the early setback caused by Hayley , Sri Lanka Women rebuilt their innings through Harshitha Samarawickrama. The right-hander compiled a steady 70 off 112 balls, holding the innings together in this competitive ODI contest.
Samarawickrama shared a crucial 78-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne to stabilise Sri Lanka Women after the early blow. However, Ramharack’s timely strikes disrupted the momentum. Kavisha Dilhari added an unbeaten 45 late in the innings, pushing Sri Lanka Women to a total that was competitive but within reach in this ICC Women’s Championship fixture.
Hayley Matthews’ Century Transforms the ODI Chase
Chasing 218, West Indies Women needed a strong platform, and Hayley delivered exactly that. Opening the innings, Hayley displayed superb timing and shot selection, dominating the Sri Lanka Women bowling attack. Her half-century arrived off just 48 balls, putting West Indies firmly in control of the ODI.
Hayley Matthews combined elegance with calculated aggression, piercing gaps in the field and rotating strike effectively. She was given a lifeline on 70 when a return catch was dropped, and Sri Lanka Women paid dearly for that missed opportunity.
Bringing up her 10th ODI century off 118 balls, Hayley Matthews showcased maturity and resilience. The milestone placed her level with Stafanie Taylor for the most ODI centuries by a West Indies woman, underlining her legacy in the ICC Women’s Championship era.
Support from Stafanie Taylor and Middle Order Stability
While Hayley Matthews dominated headlines, Stafanie Taylor played a crucial supporting role with a composed 38. The partnership between Hayley Matthews and Taylor ensured that West Indies Women maintained control of the chase throughout the ODI.
Their steady stand reduced the required rate significantly, neutralising the spin threat posed by Sri Lanka Women. The ICC Women’s Championship clash gradually tilted in favour of West Indies as the experienced duo guided the innings with discipline.
Dottin and Henry Finish the Job
Shortly after reaching her century, Hayley Matthews was dismissed attempting an attacking stroke, but by then the ODI result was almost certain. Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry calmly completed the chase for West Indies Women.
Henry struck an unbeaten 32, while Dottin contributed effectively in a 49-run unbroken partnership. Their composed finish secured a six-wicket win with several overs remaining, giving West Indies Women their first points of the ICC Women’s Championship cycle.
ODI Series Result and ICC Women’s Championship Implications
Although Hayley Matthews’ century sealed victory in the third ODI, Sri Lanka Women had already clinched the series 2-0 with narrow wins in the opening matches. The visitors’ earlier performances, including strong bowling displays and disciplined batting, ensured they left the Caribbean with the ODI series trophy.
For West Indies Women, the win powered by Hayley Matthews provided much-needed momentum in the ICC Women’s Championship standings. It also highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back after setbacks.
Hayley Matthews’ Growing Legacy in Women’s Cricket
Hayley Matthews’ 10th ODI century further cemented her reputation as one of the premier all-rounders in international cricket. In addition to her match-winning hundred, her early wickets demonstrated her value with the ball.
The ICC Women’s Championship continues to showcase elite performances, and Hayley Matthews remains central to West Indies Women’s ambitions. Her ability to influence games in multiple departments makes her one of the most impactful players in the ODI format.
As West Indies Women prepare for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka Women, confidence will be high following this ODI triumph. Hayley Matthews’ century not only delivered victory but also reinforced her leadership and consistency at the highest level of the ICC Women’s Championship.
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