Women’s One Day International Series, 1st ODI

Ireland 269 all out (49 overs) Hunter 96 (90), Lewis 39 (48); Fletcher 4-49, Matthew 3-52

West Indies 270-1 (38.4 overs): Matthew 159 (123), Grimmond 91 (107); Small 1-25

West Indies won by nine wickets

Scorekeeper

Captain Hayley Matthews hit 159 and claimed three wickets as the West Indies women defeated Ireland in the first one-day international at Bready.

The hosts were bowled out for 269 in 49 overs as Amy Hunter fell just short of her second ODI century with 96.

But, led by Matthews’ superb innings, the West Indies dominated with the bat and cruised to a nine-wicket victory.

Her tally was the second highest by a West Indies player in ODI history, behind Stafanie Taylor’s record of 177.

Fittingly, Matthews played the last eight balls of his knock alongside Taylor.

The only wicket her team lost was that of Realeanna Grimmond, who was caught by Hunter in the 91st over from a Louise Little delivery.

The visitors can clinch the three-game series on Sunday at Bready, before the final game on Wednesday.

Despite losing the toss and then Forbes in the 11th over after being run out in the sixth over, Ireland got off to a good start.

The dismissal of captain Gaby Lewis, making her 200th appearance, for 39 was a blow to leave her team at 77-2 after 15 overs.

As Hunter was closing in on a magnificent century, she was bowled by Afy Fletcher, who finished the match with four wickets to her name, to leave Ireland on 224-6.

Ireland could only muster another 25 runs before Cara Murray was dismissed by Karishma Ramharack.

Her bowling had no answer for Matthews, who hit her 159 off 123 balls, while excellent support from Grimmond and the experience of Taylor pushed West Indies comfortably over the line.