GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Opener Hayley Matthews continued her run-scoring form as West Indies disposed of New Zealand by three wickets in their final official warm-up, to get a vital confidence booster ahead of today’s opening match aganist Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup.
Chasing 123 at the Guyana National Stadium on Wednesday night, the Windies reached their target with 11 deliveries remaining, with the 20-year-old Matthews stroking exactly 50 off 38 balls.
All-rounder Deandra Dottin flourished in her new role as opener with 35 off 23 deliveries while skipper Stafanie Taylor, returning after being rested for the first warm-up, chipped in with a patient 26.
Maddy Green had earlier top-scored with a fluent unbeaten 35 off 26 balls while captain Amy Satterthwaite struck 26 as New Zealand got up to 122 for nine off their 20 overs.
Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed was superb with four for 22 from her full complement while leg-spinner Afy Fletcher supported with two for 33.
When West Indies chased, they were given a strong start by Matthews and Dottin who posted 68 off 45 deliveries for the first wicket.
Matthews struck eight fours and a six while Dottin counted six fours and one six before becoming the first casualty via the run out route in the eighth over.
Taylor then joined Matthews in a 34-run, second wicket stand to keep the Windies on course for victory.
Mohammed said afterwards she was pleased with her form, especially as the Windies frontline spinner.
“I was happy with the way I bowled and would like to take that momentum going into the World Cup,” she said.
“The pitches are suiting my bowling and I think the dew has been a big factor as well, but I’m from here and I’m used to the pitches.”
Satterthwaite said the contest had been more about her side’s acclimatisation than the actual outcome.
“It was good to play in Guyana in the conditions that the four games are going to be in. I’m pleased with how we’re tracking,” she said.
“It’s hard to read into warm up games too much, I’ve seen teams get thrashed in warm up games and go away and win tournaments.”
In the other game at the venue, India served warning of their intentions with a handsome 11-run victory over 50-over World Cup champs England.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur stroked a delightful 62 from 32 balls as India rallied to 144 for six off their 20 overs.
Leg-spinner Poonam Yadav then claimed three for 20 as England were restricted to 133 for eight of their 20 overs, despite opener Danielle Wyatt’s 54.
At the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, minnows Ireland upset Sri Lanka by eight wickets.
West Indies take on Bangladesh in the feature match of a triple header at the National Stadium on Friday’s opening night of the tournament.
(CMC)