West Indies Crush Pakistan in ODI Opener with Matthews' Mammoth Century

West Indies Women secured a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the opening One-Day International (ODI) in Karachi. Captain Hailey Matthews led the way with a career-best 140 not out, guiding her team to a formidable total of 269 for 8. Matthews' brilliance extended to the bowling department as she claimed three wickets for 17 runs, restricting Pakistan to 156 all out in 35.5 overs. Pakistan's chase was hampered by accurate West Indies bowling, with Afy Fisher and Zaida James also chipping in with two wickets each.

West Indies Women Crush Pakistan Women in ODI Opener, Matthews Shines with Mammoth Century

In a resounding display of dominance, West Indies Women stormed to a comprehensive 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at Karachi's National Stadium on Thursday. The triumph was orchestrated by a scintillating century from captain Hailey Matthews, who etched her name in the record books with a career-best 140 not out.

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, West Indies Women found themselves in an early spot of bother with the loss of Rashada Williams for just 2 runs. However, Matthews, batting with characteristic poise and determination, forged a crucial 102-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle to stabilize the innings. Campbelle's eventual dismissal for 50 left West Indies Women slightly vulnerable at 103 for 2.

Undeterred, Matthews continued her masterful innings, finding able support from Chinelle Henry with a 40-run stand for the fifth wicket. Her brilliance enabled West Indies Women to accumulate an impressive 77 runs in the final 10 overs, setting a daunting target of 270 for Pakistan Women.

Matthews' innings, spanning 150 deliveries, was a symphony of class and power. She effortlessly dispatched 15 boundaries and a solitary six, inspiring her team to a commanding position.

In an all-round performance of exceptional quality, Matthews then turned her hand to bowling, picking up three vital wickets for just 17 runs in six miserly overs. Her scalps played a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan Women to a meager 156 all out in 35.5 overs.

Pakistan Women's chase was plagued by early setbacks, with the home team reduced to a precarious 65 for 4, a situation that deteriorated further to 100 for 6. Despite a valiant effort from opener Muneeba Ali (46) and Nida Dar (29), Pakistan Women were unable to resurrect their innings and eventually fell well short of the target.

Apart from Matthews' heroics, Afy Fisher and Zaida James also made significant contributions for West Indies Women with two wickets each.

The second ODI of the three-match series will be played at the same venue on April 21, with Pakistan Women eager to bounce back and level the series.