St Kitts, March 28 – Australia Women achieved a convincing 103-run victory over the West Indies Women in the first One Day International (ODI), taking a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to a strong all-round batting performance and disciplined bowling.
Choosing to bat, Australia amassed a formidable 341 in 49.5 overs, with key contributions from various players. Phoebe Litchfield anchored the innings with a fluent 77 off 72 balls, while Georgia Voll provided early impetus with a brisk 42, forming a 75-run opening stand.
The momentum continued throughout the middle overs as Ellyse Perry scored 44 and captain Sophie Molineux contributed 47. A crucial 91-run partnership between Molineux and Nicola Carey (49) stabilized the innings after a brief wobble. Georgia Wareham provided late acceleration, scoring 42 to ensure Australia surpassed the 300-mark.
For the West Indies, Afy Fletcher was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets, although she was expensive.
Chasing a daunting target, the hosts struggled early as they lost key wickets, including captain Hayley Matthews, and found it difficult to maintain the required run rate. Taylor stood strong amidst the collapse, scoring an unbeaten 105 off 129 balls, her first ODI century since 2021, but received little support from the other end.
Chinelle Henry (38) was the only other batter to offer some resistance, sharing a 73-run stand with Taylor for the fourth wicket, but the chase never truly threatened Australia’s total.
Australia's bowlers maintained control throughout, with Kim Garth leading the charge with figures of 3/37, including crucial early wickets. Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with two wickets, while sharp fielding, including a run-out of Deandra Dottin, further dented the hosts' hopes.
The West Indies eventually finished on 238/8 in their 50 overs, falling short as Australia secured a comprehensive win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Brief scores:
Australia 341 all out in 49.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 77, Nicola Carey 49; Afy Fletcher 3-83, Stafanie Taylor 2-31) beat West Indies 238/8 in 50 overs (Stafanie Taylor 105*, Chinelle Henry 38; Kim Garth 3-37, Ashleigh Gardner 2-44) by 103 runs.
