Hayley Matthews' record ton sets up big win over Zimbabwe
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews scored a monumental 182 against Zimbabwe in Harare.
Hayley Matthews led West Indies from the front, smashing a stellar 182 off 156 balls, with 28 boundaries during her innings, including two sixes.
Her ton saw her bat through the innings before she was dismissed in the 50th over. But by the time, she walked back, Matthews had already achieved the highest-ever score by a West Indies batter in Women's ODIs.
It was the sixth-highest ever individual score in Women's ODIs, and fourth-best for a skipper.
Late strikes from Zimbabwe ensured that West Indies fell short of the 300-run mark by just one run. Francisca Chipare (2/57) was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts.
Modester Mupachikwa (86) and Sharne Mayers (21) ensured Zimbabwe had a steady start to the daunting chase. With skipper Hayley Matthews missing the action with the ball due to cramps, the tourists were left wanting in the initial overs, but eventually picked up themselves.
Hayley Matthews' magic with the bat | WCWCQ 2025
Jannillea Glasgow picked the first wicket in the form of Mayers, and subsequent strikes from Ashmini Munisar (2/31) and Afy Fletcher (2/27) derailed the Zimbabwe chase. Zimbabwe were four down by the 30 over mark, and needed a miraculous recovery to keep up with the rising required run rate, which had already shot over eight.
West Indies bowlers were, however, right on the mark and kept picking wickets at regular intervals. Aaliyah Alleyne (3/44) finished the proceedings in the 44th over, as West Indies won by 99 runs.
Photo courtesy: Cricket West Indies