Gros Islet – The West Indies Women took a 1-0 lead in the three-match CG United One Day International series, defeating Ireland by 58 runs at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia.
Winning the toss and batting first, Captain Hayley Matthews led the West Indies scoring, striking her fourth ODI century 109 (107), while Stafanie Taylor notched her 40th half-century 55 (68) and Chinelle Henry brought up her maiden ODI fifty in 38 deliveries as the West Indies posted 297 for 6 in their 50 overs.
Cara Murray was the pick of the Irish bowlers, with figures of 10-0-60-3.
Matthews then returned with the ball to scalp three wickets for 53 runs, while Afy Fletcher (2-49) and Qiana Joseph (2-53) ably assisted as the West Indies spun the Irish batters into a web.
Ireland reached 238 for nine off their 50 overs, Gaby Lewis 83 (100) and skipper Laura Delany 40 (53) were their top run getters.
The teams meet again on Wednesday for the second CG United ODI. First ball is at 10 a.m. Eastern Caribbean, 9 a.m. Jamaica time.
Summarised scores: West Indies Women 297 for six off 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 109, Stafanie Taylor 55, Chenille Henry 53 not out; Cara Murray 3-60). Ireland Women 239 for nine off 50 overs (Gaby Lewis 83, Laura Delany 40, Orla Prendergast 37; Hayley Matthews 3-53, Afy Fletcher 2-49, Qiana Joseph 2-53). West Indies Women won by 58 runs.