Matthews wants more from batting group

MELBOURNE, Australia (CMC):

Captain Hayley Matthews has called on her batting group to take more responsibility, after watching them struggle against Australia Women in the second One-Day International which was eventually abandoned due to rain here yesterday.

In a contest reduced to 29 overs per side after the adverse weather delayed the start at Junction Oval, West Indies Women limped to 107 for eight in the 26th over before rain returned to end the game prematurely.

Number seven Aaliyah Alleyne top-scored with an unbeaten 28 from 41 balls while Rashada Williams scored 23 and opening partner Matthews, 20.

The pair put on 34 for the first wicket before eight wickets went down for 47 runs, leaving the innings tottering on 81 for eight.

West Indies Women were undermined by three-wicket hauls from seamer Annabel Sutherland (3-6) and leg-spinner Alana King (3-16).

“I think seeing how the game was going, [there are] a lot of areas to improve on,” Matthews said.

NEXT GAME

“We would’ve liked to be in a better position. As batters, we probably have to look to put our hands up and work over the next few days and really look to come out and put down a better performance in the second half [of the] next game.”

In her first game of the ODI series after missing the opener with injury, Matthews struck four fours in a run-a-ball knock before playing on to pacer Kim Garth in the sixth over.

Veteran Stafanie Taylor’s patchy form continued when she missed a slog at King and was bowled in the seventh over for two and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle followed in King’s next over, leg before wicket for six also missing a sweep.

Alleyne came to her side’s rescue, notching four fours as she helped prop up the innings in a 26-run, unbroken ninth wicket stand with Karishma Ramharack (three not out).

“It was good to see Aaliyah over the last two games spend some time at the crease, especially in some pressure situations,” Matthews said.

“So obviously she’s been our bright spark throughout this 50-over segment.

“Obviously, there’s a new opening partnership having Rashada at the top who looked pretty good to start as well.

“Still some positives we can take out but definitely a lot to work on moving forward.”

The final ODI is scheduled for tomorrow.