The West Indies Women began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup qualifying campaign with a bang on Tuesday morning as they recorded a six-wicket victory over the Ireland Women in their opening match at the Old Hararians Ground in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Having won the toss, captain Stafanie Taylor opted to field and might have quickly questioned that decision as the Irish openers Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis put on a strong half-century opening stand.
Anisa Mohammed stars with the ball
However, local spin queen Anisa Mohammed would soon break that partnership, taking a sharp caught and bowled chance, dismissing Lewis for 35. This triggered a mini-collapse as Ireland lost their next 4 wickets for 14 runs, with Mohammed claiming two more of the top-order batters.
Eimear Richardson and Mary Waldron provided some resistance from the middle-order, but pacer Shamilia Connell dimmed the hope of a lengthy stay at the wicket for Waldron by trapping her LBW for 12. Connell and Taylor then made light work of the lower order, resulting in Ireland being dismissed for 159 in 43 overs. Hayley Matthews, Taylor, and Connell finished with two wickets apiece.
The West Indies made a strong start to the chase with openers Deandra Dottin and Rashada Williams, putting on a solid 61-run partnership dominated by in-form Dottin. Dottin led the charge, smashing 7 fours before Celeste Raack would run out Williams for 8, bringing Chedean Nation to the crease just before a brief rain interruption.
Dottin produces valuable knock
Upon resumption, Dottin and Nation kept the runs flowing, putting on a quick 33-run partnership before Nation fell for 17. Dottin would be dismissed soon after for a valuable 73, but Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle would ensure the West Indies achieve the total in 39.3 overs.
The West Indies Women, buoyed by the recent whitewash of Pakistan women, would be happy to carry the momentum of this opening win to their remaining matches against Sri Lanka on November 27 and Netherlands on November 29.
Ireland Women 159 all out (43 overs)
Gaby Lewis 36
Eimear Richardson 32
Anisa Mohammed 3/40
Shamilia Connell 2/33
Hayley Matthews 2/20
West Indies Women 163/4 (39.3 overs)
Deandra Dottin 73
Stafanie Taylor 41 not out
Eimear Richardson 2/33
Celeste Raack 1/40
Congratulations to our girls and best of luck for the remaining games