Matthews (159), Grimmond (91) flatten Ireland in opening ODI

Captain Hayley Matthews hit 159 and claimed three wickets as West Indies Women hammered Ireland in the first one-day international at Bready on Friday.

The hosts were all out for 269 in 49 overs as Amy Hunter fell just short of her second ODI century on 96.

But, led by Matthews’ superb innings, the West Indies dominated with the bat and cruised to a nine-wicket victory.

Her tally was the second-highest by a West Indies women’s player in ODI history, behind Stafanie Taylor’s record of 177.

Fittingly, Matthews played the final eight balls of her knock alongside Taylor.

The only wicket her side lost was that of Realeanna Grimmond, who was caught by Hunter on 91 from a Louise Little delivery, the pair adding a West Indies record 258 for the first wicket.

The visitors can clinch the three-game series on Sunday at Bready, before a final game on Wednesday.

Despite losing the toss and then Forbes on 11 after she was run out in the sixth over, Ireland made a strong start.

The dismissal of captain Gaby Lewis, making her 200th appearance, for 39 was a blow to leave her side on 77-2 after 15 overs.

As Hunter closed in on a superb century, she was bowled by Afy Fletcher, who ended the match with four wickets to her name, to leave Ireland on 224-6.

Ireland could only muster another 25 runs before Cara Murray was dismissed by Karishma Ramharack.

Their bowling had no answer to Matthews, who struck her 159 off 123 balls, while Grimmond’s fine support and Taylor’s experience pushed West Indies comfortably over the line. (BBC)