Hayley Matthews smashes record-breaking 182 as West Indies crush Zimbabwe by 99 runs

Hayley Matthews delivered an innings for the ages in Harare, smashing the highest individual ODI score by a West Indies Women batter to set up a comprehensive 99-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-match series.

Hayley Matthews celebrates her record-breaking 182 against Zimbabwe

A knock for the record books

The West Indies captain's 182 off 156 balls, studded with 26 fours and two sixes, was not only the highest individual ODI score by a West Indies Women batter but also the sixth-highest in women's ODI history. In addition, Matthews became the first woman — and the 14th batter overall — to score two 150-plus ODI innings in a calendar year.

After opting to bat, Matthews powered West Indies to 299 for 6 in their 50 overs, and that proved far too much for the hosts to chase down.

Matthews and Grimmond lay the platform

West Indies were given a flying start by their captain and Realeanna Grimmond, who put on 128 for the opening wicket. Grimmond played the anchor role with a steady 53 off 70 balls, striking seven fours and a six, before falling in the 24th over.

Matthews, though, continued to control the innings once the opening stand was broken. She brought up her hundred from 108 balls and then accelerated through the latter stages, adding useful partnerships with Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry and Jannillea Glasgow. She was eventually dismissed in the 50th over for 182, having taken West Indies to the brink of the 300-run mark. Francisca Chipare was Zimbabwe's most successful bowler, finishing with 2 for 57.

Zimbabwe's chase falters after promising start

Zimbabwe's reply never gathered enough momentum, despite a composed 86 from Modester Mupachikwa at the top of the order. Having reached 100 for 2 in the 22nd over, the hosts lost their way as wickets tumbled around Mupachikwa, who held fort at one end with seven fours and a six.

She was eventually bowled by Aaliyah Alleyne in the 44th over — the last Zimbabwe batter to be dismissed — as the innings folded for 200 in 43.3 overs.

Alleyne finished with 3 for 44, while Jannillea Glasgow, Ashmini Munisar and Afy Fletcher chipped in with two wickets each to seal a comfortable win and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Brief scores

West Indies 299/6 in 50 overs (Hayley Matthews 182, Realeanna Grimmond 53; Francisca Chipare 2-57)
Zimbabwe 200 in 43.3 overs (Modester Mupachikwa 86; Aaliyah Alleyne 3-44, Ashmini Munisar 2-27, Jannillea Glasgow 2-37)
West Indies won by 99 runs