Matthews’ stunning 182 leads West Indies to 99-run win

As her team opened their series against Zimbabwe with a 99-run victory in Harare, Hayley Matthews scored the highest individual score in an ODI and the sixth highest in women's ODI history.

The captain scored 182 runs in 156 balls, including 26 fours and two sixes, making her the first woman and 14th overall to score more than 150 runs in an ODI game in a single year. After choosing to bat, West Indies were able to score 299 for 6 thanks to Matthews' innings, and their bowlers held Zimbabwe to 200 in 43.3 overs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Matthews and Realeanna Grimmond provided West Indies with a strong start, putting on 128 for the opening wicket. Grimmond made a steady 53 off 70 balls, hitting seven fours and a six, before falling in the 24th over. Matthews continued to control the innings after the opening stand was broken.

She scored a hundred from 108 balls and advanced quickly through the final stages, forming beneficial partnerships with Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle, and Jannillea Glasgow. Matthews ended up getting run out for 182 in the 50th over, putting West Indies on the verge of 300.

Despite Modester Mupachikwa's composed 86 at the top of the order, Zimbabwe's chase never gained enough momentum. Despite Mupachikwa maintaining control at one end, the hosts lost their way after reaching 100 for 2 in the 22nd over. Mupachikwa, who struck seven fours and a six, was eventually bowled by Aaliyah Alleyne in the 44th over - the last Zimbabwe batter to be dismissed. Alleyne finished with 3 for 44, while Jannillea Glasgow, Ashmini Munisar and Afy Fletcher claimed two wickets each.