Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten half-century has knocked Ireland out of the T20 World Cup because the West Indies secured a six-wicket victory in Cape Town.
With each groups having misplaced their opening video games, the assembly was a must-win conflict for both aspect.
Orla Prendergast posted a half-century to assist set the Windies a goal of 138 however captain Matthews was capable of steer her aspect house.
Although Amy Hunter was dismissed early, Ireland dominated the early levels of their innings with Gaby Lewis and Prendergast placing on a 90-run partnership, however the wickets rapidly started to tumble when Shamilia Connell discovered the breakthrough to get Prendergast out.
Karishma Ramharack then struck twice within the sixteenth over, dismissing Lewis (38) and Louise Little (with out scoring), earlier than Afy Fletcher picked up the wickets of Laura Delany and Arlene Kelly in a single over to cut back Ireland to 9-137.
Good bowling from Prendargast and Jane Maguire restricted the West Indies within the powerplay, however a pivotal second within the sport noticed Matthews dropped on 9 within the fifth over.
Taking full benefit of the missed alternative, the captain then dragged her aspect again into the sport.
A cameo of 34 from Chinelle Henry helped because the match ran right down to the wire with the Windies needing six runs from the ultimate over. Matthews smashed a 4 to win the sport with a ball to spare, producing a high-quality knock of 66 runs off 53 balls.
The outcome retains the West Indies alive within the match.
Matthews advised Sky Sports afterwards there was “a lot of pressure” all through the sport.
“I am the captain and one of the leaders in the batting line-up, we needed someone at the top to bat through the innings and I took that role on today,” she mentioned.
“There was definitely a lot of pressure, we knew it was a score where we’d need someone to bat really deep. Kudos to the Irish girls, they bowled well and bowled in some good areas, I am really proud of the girls.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
