Hayley Matthews Shines as Welsh Fire Completes Highest-Ever Run Chase in the Hundred
Hayley Matthews.
West Indies Women’s Captain Leads Welsh Fire to Victory
LONDON, CMC—West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews lashed a career-best half-century in the Hundred as Welsh Fire completed their highest-ever run chase in the competition to beat London Spirit by six wickets at Lord’s on Thursday.
The Chase
Asked to chase 151 to win their second game, Fire overhauled their target with five balls remaining. The 26-year-old top-scored with a brilliant unbeaten 78 off 46 deliveries in a Player-of-the-Match performance.
A Dominant Performance
Dropped on 36, the stylish right-hander made the chance count, hammering 11 fours and two sixes and dominating the Spirit bowling.
Partnerships and Fifties
Entering at number three, Matthews saw Fire slip to 33 for two before inspiring stands of 47 for the third wicket with wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce (21), 43 for the fourth wicket with Jess Jonassen (14), and 28 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Phoebe Franklin (six not out).
Matthews raised her fifty from 37 balls with consecutive boundaries off leg-spinner Sarah Glenn and took Fire over the line with back-to-back fours off off-spinner Deepti Sharma.
Earlier Innings
Earlier, the previously unbeaten Spirit rallied to 150 for five off their 100 deliveries after being sent in, Danielle Gibson hitting 41 from 25 balls and Deepti scoring an unbeaten 39 from 26 deliveries.
Together, they posted 67 for the fifth wicket after opener Meg Lanning struck 31 from 20 balls to power a 49-run second-wicket partnership with Cordelia Griffith (17).
Gibson counted a half-dozen fours and a six while Deepti struck two fours and two sixes to sustain Spirit’s momentum towards the end.
Conclusion
Hayley Matthews’ exceptional performance led Welsh Fire to their highest-ever run chase in the Hundred, showcasing her skills and leadership abilities. Her unbroken partnership with Phoebe Franklin sealed the win for Fire, sending a strong message to the rest of the competition.
FAQs
Q: What was Hayley Matthews’ score in the match?
A: Hayley Matthews scored an unbeaten 78 off 46 deliveries.
Q: What was the target set by London Spirit?
A: The target set by London Spirit was 151 runs.
Q: Who was the Player-of-the-Match?
A: Hayley Matthews was the Player-of-the-Match for her outstanding performance.