Matthews, Taylor lead Windies Women past Ireland in warm-up

LAHORE, Pakistan (CMC):

SKIPPER HAYLEY Matthews and veteran Stafanie Taylor cracked half-centuries to guide West Indies Women past Ireland Women in their first official warm-up match ahead of next week’s Women’s World Cup Qualifiers yesterday.

Matthews topscored with 55 off 53 balls, while Taylor made an unbeaten 53 from 51, as the Windies Women easily overhauled Ireland Women’s 248 for eight from their 50 overs, finishing on 252 for five off 41.1 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ireland Women were given a good start by openers Sarah Forbes and captain Gaby Lewis, with the two adding 68 before the latter was forced to retire hurt on 45.

After her exit, three wickets fell in quick time to see them slip to 90-3 in the 22nd over.

However, Laura Delaney scored an unbeaten 67 from 73 balls, Leah Paul made 46 from 43, and tailender Cara Murray hit an unbeaten 28 to help Ireland Women get up to a decent total.

Matthews led the way with her off spin, taking 3-62 from her 10 overs, while Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack took two wickets apeice.

In their run chase, Matthews and opening partner Zaida James put on 90 for the first wicket before Matthews became the first of Cara Murray’s three wickets.

They then found themselves in a bit of trouble at 156 for four when James fell for 47, and Murray claimed the wickets of Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry.

However, Taylor made sure there would be no middle-order collapse, as, together with Shabika Gajnabi, who made 25, they added 55 crucial runs for the fifth wicket to swing the momentum back in the West Indies’ favour.

When Gajnabi lost her wicket with the score on 211 for five, Jannillea Glasgow scored an unbeaten 11 and, together with Taylor, took the Windies across the line.

Murray led the way for Ireland with 3-73 from her 10 overs.

The Windies Women will play Pakistan in their final warm-up match tomorrow.