The West Indies have chased down the biggest total in women’s T20I history following a record-breaking individual knock from captain Hayley Matthews to defeat Australia at North Sydney Oval on Monday.
The Windies chased 213 to secure a seven-wicket win with one ball to spare after Matthews finished with 132 runs from 64 balls, including 20 boundaries and five sixes.
The result marks the team’s first victory over Australia in more than seven years.
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After Australia posted 6-212, their highest score against the West Indies in the format, Matthews paired up with allrounder Stafanie Taylor (59 from 41 balls) for a record 174-run partnership for the second wicket.
The effort exposed Australia’s world-class bowling attack, while several dropped chances adding to the side’s pain.
“Today was quite incredible,” Matthews said during her post-match press conference.
“I can’t quite find the words yet, but I don’t think many days of cricket have beaten that.”
During Australia’s innings, No.6 Phoebe Litchfield equalled the fastest-ever half-century in women’s T20I cricket.
Whacking three boundaries and five sixes, the 20-year-old reached the milestone after just 18 deliveries, finishing the innings unbeaten on 52.
Ellyse Perry’s top score of 70 runs from 46 balls, her highest score in the format on home soil, ensured the hosts compiled a huge total before Matthews unleashed.
The loss was Australia’s first in T20s at North Sydney Oval, having won its previous 11 matches at the venue.
“When two players get going on a wicket like that, it’s pretty hard to stop,” Australian captain Alyssa Healy said post-match.
“If you’re not quite executing with the ball, it makes it even harder.”
The Aussies bungled a few opportunities to break up the winning partnership.
After snaring an early breakthrough, Megan Schutt spilled a low chance at deep cover to gift Matthews a reprieve on 30.
Litchfield also fumbled a regulation catch at cover in the 14th over with Matthews on 87.
“[Matthews] gave up a few chances, and we let ourselves down in that department,” Healy said.
“In T20 cricket, it’s hard to drop a player like that and expect to get away with it.”
With the series now tied on one win apiece, the third and final T20I will get underway at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field on Thursday night.