The CG United Cricket West Indies’ Women’s Super50 got off to a pulsating start with the Barbados Women beating Windward Islands by 149 runs yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence.
The defending champions Barbados won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled up 227 for two in their 50 overs. The Windwards were then skittled for 78 in 23.1 overs.
Matthews continued her purple patch as she smacked eight boundaries during her scintillating innings of 99 from 133 balls.
The Bajan skipper added 177 for the opening partnership with Kycia Knight who notched up 72 from 108 balls.
Their partnership never lost momentum despite rain stopping play after 30 overs with Barbados 144 without loss. Eight overs later, Knight fetched a short delivery from outside off-stump to mid-wicket where Qiana Joseph took a sharp low catch to dismiss her off of Jannillea Glasgow (1-51) after striking seven boundaries.
Shortly after, Matthews was given out leg before wicket after a long appeal from Pearl Etienne (1-25).
Knight’s twin sister, Kyshona continued with 27 not out while Alisa Scantlebury made 10 not out.
In the chase, the Barbados fast bowlers were too much for the Afy Fletcher-less Windwards who at one stage were 9-6.
Shanika Bruce dominated with 4-48 including the wickets of Kimone Homer and Zaida James off successive deliveries.
Shamilia Connell supported with 3-9 while Aaliyah Alleyne also got among the wickets with 2-14. Japhina Joseph top scored with 18 from 28 balls before being bowled by Alleyne while Etienne made 16.
Glasgow (11) and Glendeen Turtin (10 not out) were the only other batters to reach double figures. The action resumes today at Providence with Trinidad and Tobago taking on Leeward Islands.