Glorious Performance by Captain Matthews: Leading West Indies to Historic Victory Against Australia

Hayley Matthews led the West Indies Women's cricket team to a historic victory, masterminding the highest run chase in the history of women's T20 international cricket.

The West Indies Women's team set a new benchmark, reaching a formidable score of 213-3, securing the victory with just a solitary ball to spare and leveling the series at 1-1. Spectators at North Sydney Oval were treated to a thrilling spectacle as a combined total of 425 runs were scored on this historic day, making it a match that will be remembered for generations.

However, it was not only Matthews' batting prowess that shone brightly. Earlier in the day, she exhibited her bowling skills by claiming three crucial wickets. Her exceptional all-round performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award for an astonishing seventh consecutive time.

Yet, Matthews was not the sole hero of the day. Stafanie Taylor made a significant contribution, partnering with Matthews to set another record. Their partnership of 174 runs laid the foundation for this historic victory. Taylor played a crucial role, scoring a brisk 59 off 41 balls, complementing Matthews' fiery knock.

In the post-match media conference, Matthews expressed, “Today was quite incredible, I can’t quite find the words for it as yet. Staf and I started really having a look at a chance of chasing it probably needing around 105 from 55/54 balls. I think at that moment with the momentum we had, we only spoke about going as hard as we can from both ends. Kudos to Staf as well, she played an amazing knock at the other end and took so much pressure off of me and kept the boundaries flowing.”

Earlier in the day, Australia posted a competitive total of 212/6 from their 20 overs. Ellyse Perry top-scored for them with 70, while Phoebe Litchfield equaled the fastest T20I half-century, making an unbeaten 52. Matthews emerged as the standout bowler with impressive figures of 4-0-36-3, closely followed by Shamilia Connell with figures of 4-0-35-2.

The series now moves to the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, where the third and final T20 International will determine the winner.

Match Summary

Australia Women vs West Indies Women, 2nd T20I

Australia Women 212/6 (20 ov)

West Indies Women 213/3 (19.5 ov)

Result - West Indies Women won by 7 wickets

SCORECARD

Match Stats

Australia Women Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Alyssa Healy - 0.1 ov), 2-7 (Tahlia McGrath - 1.6 ov), 3-77 (Beth Mooney - 9.6 ov), 4-87 (Ashleigh Gardner - 11.4 ov), 5-120 (Ellyse Perry - 14.4 ov), 6-146 (Annabel Sutherland - 16.2 ov)

West Indies Women Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Shabika Gajnabi - 2.2 ov), 2-185 (Stafanie Taylor - 16.6 ov), 3-204 (Hayley Matthews - 18.5 ov)

Playing XI

AUSTRALIA WOMEN - Alyssa Healy(WK/C), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Annabel Sutherland, Megan Schutt, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Darcie Brown

WEST INDIES WOMEN - Shemaine Campbelle(WK), Rashada Williams, Stafanie Taylor, Shabika Gajnabi, Hayley Matthews(C), Aaliyah Alleyne, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Shamilia Connell, Karishma Ramharack

Match Details

Date - 2023-10-02 08:05:00

Venue - North Sydney Oval, Sydney

Toss - West Indies Women elected to bowl

Umpires - Ben Treloar (Australia), Eloise Sheridan (Australia), Phillip Gillespie (Australia TV)

Match Referee - Kent Hannam (Australia)

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