The West Indies Women will begin their three-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe on Saturday, October 3, just days after securing a 2–1 ODI series victory over the hosts.
The opening T20I will be followed by matches on October 5 and 7, with the West Indies carrying the confidence of a convincing 91-run victory in Wednesday’s decisive third ODI at Harare Sports Club.
The West Indies won the series after posting 271 for five from their 50 overs before dismissing Zimbabwe for 180 in 47.3 overs.
Captain Hayley Matthews once again provided the foundation for the victory, producing a superb 118 from 113 deliveries. Her innings included 18 fours and a six.
Matthews was given outstanding support by Shemaine Campbelle, who narrowly missed a century with a 96. The pair added 160 for the second wicket, putting the West Indies firmly in command.
Matthews reached her century from 98 balls before eventually being dismissed for 118, while Campbelle accelerated after reaching her half-century as the West Indies pushed towards a formidable total.
Zimbabwe’s reply never gained sustained momentum after both opening batters departed early.
Captain Josephine Nkomo provided the major resistance with an unbeaten 74, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Zimbabwe eventually reached 180, leaving the West Indies with a 91-run victory and the series.
Matthews ended the three-match ODI series with 326 runs at an average of 108.66, including two centuries, underlining her importance to the West Indies batting lineup.
The series victory was particularly significant after Zimbabwe had levelled the contest in the second ODI with a four-wicket win, leaving the final match as the decider.
Attention now shifts to the shorter format, where the West Indies will look to carry their ODI momentum into the T20 series.
However, Campbelle’s fitness could be a concern heading into Saturday’s opener. She was forced from the field during Zimbabwe’s innings after appearing to experience discomfort and requiring attention from the medical team.
Her availability will therefore be one of the issues to watch as the West Indies prepare for the opening T20I and seek to continue their successful tour of Zimbabwe.
Source: Village Voice News
