HELMSFORD, England — As soon as once more, Hayley Matthews stood tall for the West Indies Girls. As soon as once more, she dazzled with bat and ball. And as soon as once more, her brilliance wasn’t sufficient.
Regardless of one other electrifying all-round show from the West Indies captain, her aspect succumbed to a 17-run defeat within the third and closing T20 Worldwide towards England Girls on Monday on the Essex County Cricket Floor, conceding a 3-0 collection sweep.
Captain Matthews leads with fireplace and aptitude
After sending England in to bat, Matthews instantly stamped her authority on the match. She claimed 3 for 32 from her 4 overs, together with the crucial wickets of Sophia Dunkley and England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt. Her management and aggression with the ball restricted the hosts to 144 for five off 20 overs.
Then, with the chase underway and wickets falling round her, Matthews produced one other fluent innings, placing 71 off 54 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and a six. It was her seventeenth T20I half-century—and maybe one in all her most valiant, coming in a dropping trigger beneath stress.
Her efforts earned her each the Participant of the Match and Participant of the Collection honors, having amassed 177 runs and three wickets throughout the three matches. But, the group’s continued collapse round her left little likelihood for redemption.
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West Indies strike early, however England finishes sturdy
West Indies Girls acquired off to a dream begin with the ball when Zaida James bowled Dani Wyatt-Hodge with the primary supply of the match—for the second consecutive time within the collection. Matthews adopted up with the dismissal of Dunkley, and England discovered themselves on the again foot at 21 for 2 within the fifth over.
England’s innings meandered to 59 for 2 on the midway mark, with Sciver-Brunt compiling a labored 37 off 40 balls earlier than falling to Matthews.
However simply because the West Indies appeared to have gained the higher hand, Heather Knight took the reins. Battling a hamstring harm, Knight performed via the ache, smashing an unbeaten 66 off 47 balls, together with seven fours and a six, as England accelerated with 85 runs within the final 10 overs to put up a aggressive complete.
Debutant Jahzara Claxton additionally impressed for the West Indies with figures of 1 for 15 from her 4 overs.
Matthews stands alone in fading chase
In reply, the West Indies stumbled from the beginning. Qiana Joseph misplaced her leg stump to Lauren Bell on the very first supply of the innings. Although Matthews and James added a cautious 31, the innings by no means really recovered.
Realeanna Grimmond, using her luck after being dropped thrice in as many balls, finally fell for 15, triggering one other collapse. When Matthews reached her half-century off 41 balls and commenced to shift gears, there was renewed hope.
Following a short rain delay, Shabika Gajnabi reignited the chase with a six over lengthy off. However England’s Linsey Smith responded instantly, eradicating each Gajnabi and Claxton in the identical over. 4 runs later, Matthews—trying to clear the ropes—was caught at lengthy on, a blow from which the West Indies by no means recovered.
Regardless of Matthews’ heroics, the Caribbean aspect may solely handle 127 for eight of their allotted 20 overs.
England bowlers share the spoils
England’s bowlers delivered a balanced efficiency, with 4 of them taking two wickets apiece. Lauren Bell (2-11) was particularly incisive, supported by Smith (2-25), Em Arlott (2-26), and Charlie Dean (2-31).
Their collective effort ensured that England maintained management all through the innings and closed out a complete collection victory.
Hayley Matthews: A spark in a collection of shadows
Whereas the West Indies Girls return residence with no victory, Hayley Matthews returns with accolades and admiration. Her consistency, dedication, and management have been a uncommon beacon in a collection in any other case dominated by the English.
If there’s a silver lining within the defeat, it’s Matthews herself—a captain whose particular person brilliance continues to supply hope for the way forward for West Indies Girls’s cricket.
