Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 17, 2024 8:21 am GMT
West Indies cricket star Hayley Matthews has made history by becoming the second woman from her nation to reach 100 wickets in Women’s Twenty20 Internationals (WT20Is). This milestone was achieved during the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Dubai International Stadium, further solidifying her status as a key player in the sport.
A Key Moment in Her Career
Matthews crossed the century mark for wickets by dismissing Scottish opener Saskia Horley during a match where Scotland managed to score 99 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Contributing to her team’s efforts, Matthews ended the match with figures of 1 for 21 in her four overs. This achievement highlights her consistency and skill, notably as she has taken 98 of her 100 wickets while representing the West Indies.
- Historic Wickets: Matthews has claimed two wickets while playing for Barbados.
- Elite Group: She is only the second player from the West Indies to achieve this feat, following Anisa Mohammed, who holds the record with 125 wickets.
Outstanding Records
In the realm of women’s T20I cricket, Matthews is celebrated for her performance:
- Matches Played: 98 WT20I matches
- Wickets Taken: 100 wickets at an average of 17.64
- Home Performance: 48 wickets taken at home matches
- Away Record: 40 wickets in away games and 12 in neutral venue games
These statistics underscore her role as a pivotal figure in West Indies women’s cricket.
A Promising Start
Matthews made her debut for the West Indies back in 2014 at the tender age of 16. Although she did not bowl in her first match against New Zealand, she quickly made a mark in her second match against Australia, where she took her first wicket by dismissing Australian captain Meg Lanning, ending that game with remarkable figures of 3 for 26.
She has constantly evolved as a player, and her recent consultation with her teammates after their game against South Africa proved beneficial. Matthews remarked on the importance of addressing mistakes quickly, saying, “We all knew we didn’t get enough runs on the board… we had thorough discussions about how we could build better partnerships.”
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, Matthews and her squad aim to improve their performance. Their next game is against Scotland, and strong teamwork will be essential for success. With Matthews at the helm, the West Indies team is full of potential.
Milestones and Achievements
Matthews’s trajectory in T20 cricket is one of rapid growth and impressive milestones:
- 50 Wicket Mark: She achieved her 50th wicket in 2020 during the England tour of the West Indies.
- Fastest to 1000 Runs: In her 98th T20I match, Matthews became the fastest woman to reach 1000 runs in the T20I format.
A Tribute to the Game
Hayley Matthews’ achievements are a source of pride for the West Indies cricket community. Her dedication and contributions showcase the growing stature of women’s cricket. Matthews continues to inspire aspiring young cricketers in the region and beyond with her exceptional skill and commitment to the sport.
Conclusion
Hayley Matthews’ journey to 100 wickets shows how hard work and love for cricket can lead to great success. She is breaking records and making her mark in history. Every time she plays, she builds her legacy and inspires her teammates and fans. As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup continues, everyone is excited to see how she will shine even more, showing that this is just the start of an amazing future.
