West Indies claimed a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland in the opening match of their ODI series at Bready. Captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance, contributing a three-wicket haul before steering the chase with a dominant unbeaten 159.
The visitors successfully chased down Ireland's target of 270 with 68 balls remaining. The foundation of the win was a record-breaking 258-run opening partnership between Matthews and Realeanna Grimmond, who scored 91. This stand marks the highest partnership for any wicket for West Indies Women in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 204. Grimmond was dismissed with only 12 runs required to seal the result.
Matthews’ innings of 159 not out from 123 balls stands as the second-highest individual score for West Indies Women in ODIs, trailing only Stafanie Taylor’s 171. The team reached their target in 38.4 overs.
For Ireland, Amy Hunter anchored the innings with 96 runs, supported by a 69-run partnership with Orla Prendergast and a 50-run stand with Rebecca Stokell. The hosts appeared to be in a strong position at 196 for 3, but a collapse was triggered by Matthews, who finished with 3 for 52, and Afy Fletcher, who claimed 4 for 49. Ireland lost five wickets for 36 runs, with Hunter falling just four runs short of a century. A late contribution of 27 from Louise Little helped push the hosts to a final total of 269 all out in 49 overs.