Windies humbled in opener by dominant Aussies

West Indies Women opener Hayley Matthews goes on the attack during her top score of 46 against Australia Women on Monday.

TAUNTON, England (CMC) – Out-of-sorts West Indies Women proved no match for World champions Australia Women and crashed to a heavy eight-wicket defeat, as they opened their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on a disappointing note here Monday.

They opted to bat first but were dismissed for 204 in the 48th over, with teenaged opener Hayley Matthews top-scoring with 46, captain Stafanie Taylor getting 45 and Chedean Nation, 39.

All-rounder Deandra Dottin chipped in with a brisk 29 but veteran seamer Ellyse Perry grabbed three for 47 while leg-spinner Kristen Beams (2-30) and left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen (2-39) claimed two wickets apiece to cripple the Windies innings.

The Caribbean side were well placed at one stage on 123 for two in the 33rd over but failed to kick on and lost their last eight wickets for 81 runs.

In reply, opener Nicole Bolton struck her third One-Day International hundred – a delightful, unbeaten 107 – as the Aussies cantered to their target in the 39th over without raising a sweat.

The left-hander hit 14 boundaries off 116 balls, adding 171 in a first wicket stand with opening partner Beth Mooney whose 70 required 85 deliveries and included seven fours and a six.

Off-spinner Taylor claimed two for 33 but the Windies bowling lacked edge and their fielding effort was ordinary, especially late in the innings as frustrations grew over the productive opening stand.

West Indies take on India on Thursday in their second match of the tournament.