CANTERBURY, England — Within the coronary heart of a cold English spring, Hayley Matthews delivered a scorching reminder of her world-class pedigree.
But even a panoramic century from the captain couldn’t carry the West Indies Girls over the road, as England claimed a convincing win within the opening T20 Worldwide on Wednesday.
Matthews remained unbeaten on 100 from simply 67 balls, a masterclass of management, energy, and precision. Her innings accounted for almost 70 per cent of the group’s whole as West Indies stumbled to 146 for seven — a rating that proved too modest to problem a disciplined English batting facet.
Coach Deitz: ‘Matthews is an absolute famous person’
Regardless of the defeat, head coach Shane Deitz had nothing however reward for his skipper, whose lone-handed innings held the guests’ innings collectively.
“Hayley Matthews once more stamped her authority on the sport,” Deitz mentioned. “Scoring 100 not out in a group whole of 146 simply proves as soon as once more she’s among the many high gamers on the earth and an absolute famous person. She performed a implausible knock and carried the group, however we have been in all probability 20 or 30 runs in need of the place we wished to be.”
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It was a efficiency for the ages — however one which desperately wanted reinforcement from the center order, which did not hearth underneath strain from England’s bowling assault.
Early spark fades as England dominate powerplay
The West Indies’ bowling unit began with promise. Rising spinner Zaida James struck early, giving her facet a glimmer of hope. However it was short-lived.
“Zaida began nicely, took a wicket, and we had an opportunity within the first over,” Deitz famous. “However we bowled too many four-balls, they usually destroyed us within the powerplay. After that, we have been all the time taking part in catch-up.”
England capitalized ruthlessly on unfastened deliveries and raced forward with a strong show within the opening overs. From there, the chase was by no means unsure. The hosts reached the goal with eight wickets in hand, sealing a dominant efficiency on residence turf.
Discovering silver linings: James, Mangru, and the street forward
Whereas the consequence was disappointing, Deitz emphasised the significance of specializing in positives. He highlighted James’ composure with the brand new ball and a promising late cameo from Mandy Mangru, which provided a glimpse of the group’s depth.
With the second T20 set for Friday in Hove, the group has already begun preparations with custom-made coaching classes. Some gamers are present process intensive drills, whereas others are easing via restoration routines.
“We’ll additionally need to adapt higher to the chilly situations,” Deitz acknowledged, underscoring the unfamiliar problem the Caribbean facet faces within the UK local weather.
Subsequent steps: Momentum wanted to stage the sequence
The trail to redemption is slim however navigable. With Hayley Matthews in imperious type and younger gamers like Zaida James stepping up, the items are there. What’s wanted now could be cohesion — and contributions from each participant carrying maroon.
If the West Indies can rally round their captain’s brilliance and ship a extra rounded efficiency, they might but flip the tide in Hove.
Friday’s second conflict guarantees greater than only a sport — it’s an opportunity to strike again, recalibrate, and rewrite the story.
