West Indies rise in ICC Women’s Championship with Ireland sweep
West Indies completed a commanding 3-0 ODI series whitewash over Ireland, giving their ICC Women's Championship campaign a significant boost.
West Indies made a statement with a commanding 3-0 ODI series sweep over Ireland. The clean sweep lifts the Caribbean side to fourth in the ICC Women's Championship standings with eight points.
Captain Hayley Matthews produced a superb all-round performance to lead West Indies to victory in the opening ODI. Matthews claimed three wickets, while Afy Fletcher starred with figures of 4/49 to help restrict Ireland to 269.
Matthews then took centre stage with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 159 from just 123 deliveries. She was well supported by Realeanna Grimmond, who struck 91, as the pair shared a match-winning partnership to guide West Indies to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. The victory also marked West Indies' highest successful run chase in Women's ODIs.
With the series already secured, West Indies set their sights on a clean sweep in the third ODI. Batting first, they posted a competitive 257, led by Stafanie Taylor's second century of the series.
Taylor scored a composed 104 from 113 balls, while valuable contributions from Aaliyah Alleyne (33), Jahzara Claxton (30) and Deandra Dottin (21) helped the hosts build a strong total.
Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher claimed three wickets apiece, while Hayley Matthews picked up two and Jannillea Glasgow added one as West Indies bowled Ireland out for 193 to complete a comprehensive 3-0 ODI series sweep.