AUS-W vs WI-W: Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath help Australia overcome Hayley Matthews blitz

In the first T20I of the West Indies Women’s tour of Australia 2023, the hosts Australia put up a dominant performance, securing an 8-wicket victory over West Indies at North Sydney Oval on Sunday (October 1).

West Indies Women’s Innings:

Put in to bat first, West Indies Women posted a total of 147/3 on the scoreboard in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from captain Hayley Matthews, who almost single-handedly carried her team with a blistering knock of 99 runs off 74 balls. Her innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes. However, apart from Matthews, the other Windies batters struggled to find momentum, with none of them managing to make substantial contributions.

Meanwhile, the Australian bowlers put up a disciplined effort. Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking 1 wicket for 26 runs in her 4 overs.

Australia Women’s Innings:

Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching 149/2 in just 13.2 overs. skipper Alyssa Healy and all-rounder Tahlia McGrath played pivotal roles in the chase. Healy’s explosive innings of 56 runs off 29 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, set the tone for the run chase. McGrath provided strong support, scoring a brisk 60 runs off 32 balls, with 8 fours and 3 sixes.

Australia’s batting display showcased their depth and dominance, as they comfortably achieved the target set by West Indies Women. Chinelle Henry and Hayley Matthews took a wicket each for the visitors, but they couldn’t stem the flow of runs.

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Player of the Match:

Hayley Matthews was awarded the Player of the Match for her stellar all-round performance, scoring 99 runs and taking a crucial wicket during the opening match of the series.

With this win, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-game T20I series. The two teams will meet again for the 2nd T20I on Monday, October 2, at the same venue.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.