In a breathtaking showdown of T20 cricket, Hayley Matthews emerged as the undisputed star, guiding the West Indies to a historic triumph over Australia. The second T20 international match in Sydney witnessed an astounding display of cricketing prowess that left spectators on the edge of their seats. The West Indies, chasing Australia’s imposing total of 212-6, managed to pull off the highest successful women’s T20 international run chase, clinching victory by seven wickets.
Captain Hayley Matthews was the chief architect of this remarkable feat, delivering a masterclass performance that will be etched in cricketing history. With an astonishing 132 runs from just 64 balls, she took her team to the cusp of victory before falling when her side needed just nine runs from seven deliveries. The task of securing those crucial runs was handled with composure by Shemaine Campbell and Chinelle Henry, who managed to get their team across the finish line with just one ball to spare.
But Matthews’ contribution wasn’t limited to her batting heroics. She also showcased her prowess with the ball, taking three crucial wickets for 36 runs during Australia’s innings. Her all-round brilliance was truly majestic and played a pivotal role in her team’s triumph.
While Matthews’ century took center stage, it’s worth noting that 20-year-old Australian Phoebe Litchfield’s performance was nothing short of sensational. Litchfield’s explosive innings of 52 runs from just 19 balls equaled Sophie Devine’s record for the fastest women’s T20 international half-century, achieved in a mere 18 balls. Her scintillating display added to the excitement of the match, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
This extraordinary run chase shattered the previous record set by England in 2018 when they successfully pursued a target of 199 against India. Matthews’ incredible innings, which included a staggering 20 fours and five sixes, will undoubtedly go down in cricketing folklore.
Matthews’ century was a testament to her resilience. She had come agonizingly close to reaching three figures in the previous T20 match against Australia when she scored an unbeaten 99. Undeterred by that near miss, she delivered the highest individual score in a women’s T20I run chase, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most formidable cricketers in the world.
The 25-year-old all-rounder was handed a lifeline when she was dropped on 30 by Megan Schutt, and she made the most of it, reaching her century from just 53 balls. Stafanie Taylor’s valuable contribution of 59 runs from 41 balls provided crucial support, as the experienced duo added a staggering 174 runs for the second wicket.
Matthews’ incredible innings finally came to an end when she was bowled by Jess Jonassen in the penultimate over, but not before etching her name in the record books with the highest-ever individual T20 score against the world champions, Australia.
Ellyse Perry had earlier top-scored for the hosts, amassing 70 runs from 46 balls. However, skipper Alyssa Healy’s unfortunate first-ball duck and Matthews’ brilliant bowling, complemented by seamer Shamilia Connell’s figures of 2-35, stifled Australia’s dominance.
The defeat marks a notable shift in Australia’s T20 dominance, as it comes on the heels of their first T20 series loss since 2017, which they suffered against England in June. As the series decider looms in Brisbane on October 5th, cricket fans can only anticipate more exhilarating clashes between these two cricketing powerhouses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keyword: Record-breaking T20 Victory
What was the key highlight of the T20 international match between West Indies and Australia?
In a thrilling T20 international match, the key highlight was Hayley Matthews’ stunning century, which led the West Indies to a historic victory over Australia. Matthews scored an incredible 132 runs from just 64 balls, guiding her team to successfully chase down Australia’s imposing total of 212-6.
How did Hayley Matthews contribute to the West Indies’ victory?
Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role in the West Indies’ victory by delivering a masterclass performance. Not only did she score 132 runs with the bat, but she also showcased her bowling prowess, taking three crucial wickets for 36 runs during Australia’s innings. Her all-round brilliance was a key factor in the West Indies’ win.
Did any other player stand out in the match?
Yes, Phoebe Litchfield, a 20-year-old Australian, put on a sensational performance. She blasted 52 runs from just 19 balls, equalling the record for the fastest women’s T20 international half-century in just 18 balls. Litchfield’s explosive innings added excitement to the match and made her a standout performer.
What was the previous highest successful run chase in women’s T20 internationals?
The previous highest successful run chase in women’s T20 internationals was England’s pursuit of 199 runs against India in 2018. However, the West Indies shattered that record by successfully chasing down Australia’s total of 212-6 in this match.
How significant was Hayley Matthews’ century in this match?
Hayley Matthews’ century was of immense significance as it not only helped the West Indies secure a historic victory but also established her as a cricketing powerhouse. Her knock of 132 runs included an astonishing 20 fours and five sixes, making it the highest individual score in a women’s T20I run chase.
What were some other notable performances in the match?
Ellyse Perry was the top scorer for Australia, contributing 70 runs from 46 balls. However, skipper Alyssa Healy had a first-ball duck, and Matthews’ brilliant bowling, along with Shamilia Connell’s figures of 2-35, played a crucial role in restricting Australia’s dominance in the match.
How has this result impacted Australia’s T20 dominance?
This result marked a notable shift in Australia’s T20 dominance, as it came after their first T20 series loss since 2017, which occurred against England in June. It signifies a competitive landscape in women’s T20 cricket and sets the stage for more thrilling encounters in the future.
When is the series decider scheduled to take place?
The series decider between West Indies and Australia is scheduled to take place in Brisbane on Thursday, 5th October. Cricket fans can look forward to another exhilarating clash between these two cricketing powerhouses in the upcoming match.
More about Keyword: Record-breaking T20 Victory
- Hayley Matthews’ stunning century
- West Indies vs. Australia T20 international match
- Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive innings
- Previous highest successful run chase in women’s T20 internationals
- Impact of Hayley Matthews’ century
- Notable performances in the match
- Australia’s T20 dominance
- Series decider date
5 comments
hayley’s innings was epic, 20 fours, 5 sixes, that’s some powr!
wow! hayley matthews is a legend, 132 runs in 64 balls, amaizing!
phoebe litchfield was insane, 52 in 19 balls, equalling the record, omg!
austrlia lost the series, they used to be so good in t20, big shift!
this match is lit, crazy run chase, england’s record in danger!