Australia Women defeat West Indies Women with the assistance of Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath after Hayley Matthews’ dominant performance.

In the first T20I of the West Indies Women’s tour of Australia 2023, the hosts Australia put up a dominant performance, securing an 8-wicket victory over West Indies at North Sydney Oval on Sunday (October 1).

West Indies Women’s Innings:

Put in to bat first, West Indies Women posted a total of 147/3 on the scoreboard in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from captain Hayley Matthews, who almost single-handedly carried her team with a blistering knock of 99 runs off 74 balls. Her innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes. However, apart from Matthews, the other Windies batters struggled to find momentum, with none of them managing to make substantial contributions.

Meanwhile, the Australian bowlers put up a disciplined effort. Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking 1 wicket for 26 runs in her 4 overs.

Australia Women’s Innings:

Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching 149/2 in just 13.2 overs. skipper Alyssa Healy and all-rounder Tahlia McGrath played pivotal roles in the chase. Healy’s explosive innings of 56 runs off 29 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, set the tone for the run chase. McGrath provided strong support, scoring a brisk 60 runs off 32 balls, with 8 fours and 3 sixes.

Australia’s batting display showcased their depth and dominance, as they comfortably achieved the target set by West Indies Women. Chinelle Henry and Hayley Matthews took a wicket each for the visitors, but they couldn’t stem the flow of runs.

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Player of the Match:

Hayley Matthews was awarded the Player of the Match for her stellar all-round performance, scoring 99 runs and taking a crucial wicket during the opening match of the series.

With this win, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-game T20I series. The two teams will meet again for the 2nd T20I on Monday, October 2, at the same venue.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.