Cricket

Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's remarkable partnership propelled West Indies to a historic victory over England in the T20 World Cup group stage, securing a semi-final berth for the first time since 2018.Despite being underdogs, West Indies defied expectations with a dominant performance. Joseph, in particular, played a pivotal role, smashing a career-best 52 off just 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Her aggressive batting set the tone for the innings, as she and Matthews put on a 102-run stand off just 74 balls.Matthews, who played her best innings of the tournament with 50 off 38, provided solid support to Joseph. The duo's partnership was the second time both openers had scored 50 or more in a women's T20I for West Indies, the first being in the 2016 T20 World Cup final.Joseph's rise to the occasion was particularly impressive, as she stepped up in the absence of Stafanie Taylor, West Indies' leading run-scorer. Her versatility and improved ball-striking have made her a valuable asset to the team.Despite England's vast resources and unbeaten record in the group stages, West Indies' determination and fighting spirit proved too much to overcome. Deandra Dottin also played a crucial role, setting the tone with brilliant fielding and contributing with the ball.West Indies' victory is a testament to their resilience and the depth of their squad. By topping their group, they avoid favorites Australia in the semi-finals and will face New Zealand on Friday in Sharjah.Matthews expressed her pride in her team's performance, highlighting the challenges they have faced and the passion that drives them. "We probably just don't have it like the rest a lot of the time," she said. "But the one thing that does bring the entire West Indies together is cricket."

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has taken a groundbreaking step by awarding multi-year contracts to its top male and female cricketers. This move is a testament to the board's commitment to player development and stability.The contracts, which span from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026, are the result of a new four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA). The contracts provide financial security and peace of mind for the players, allowing them to focus on their performances.A total of 15 male players have been awarded contracts, with six receiving two-year deals. Men's ODI captain Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales are among those who have earned multi-year contracts.The women's team has also benefited from the new contract structure. Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and Hayley Matthews have all been awarded multi-year deals."CWI has committed to maintaining open and honest dialogue with players, and being practical about the realities of the modern game," said Miles Bascombe, CWI's director of cricket. "The players have responded in kind, and the acceptance of multi-year contracts is an indication of clarity, confidence, and commitment on both sides."Notable absentees from the contracts list include senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who is currently in discussions about a dual playing and mentor role. Batter Tagenarine Chanderpaul has also missed out on a central contract but will take up a franchise retainer contract with Guyana Harpy Eagles.Among the new entrants to the contracts list are allrounder Roston Chase and batter Kavem Hodge. Chase was a key player in West Indies' run to the Super Eight during the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Hodge scored a vital first-innings 71 in West Indies' first Test victory in Australia in 28 years.The awarding of multi-year contracts is a significant step forward for West Indies cricket. It provides stability and security for the players, allowing them to focus on their performances and contribute to the success of the team.

In a thrilling Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) final, Barbados Royals emerged victorious over Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) by four wickets, securing their second WCPL title.TKR, batting first, got off to a promising start with Deandra Dottin hitting a six in the opening over. However, Hayley Matthews' early wicket of Dottin set the tone for a challenging innings for TKR. Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed cheaply, and Jannillea Glasgow and Shikha Pandey's 43-run partnership was broken by Aaliyah Alleyne's double-wicket over.Alleyne's devastating spell continued, as she dismissed Chedean Nation and Zaida James in quick succession, leaving TKR reeling at 73 for 6. Alleyne's four-wicket haul, with three of her victims bowled, played a pivotal role in restricting TKR to a modest 93 for 8.Chasing 94, Barbados Royals started aggressively with Chamari Athapaththu leading the charge. She struck three consecutive fours in the fourth over and another three in the sixth over, putting Royals in a commanding position.However, Samara Ramnath's dismissal of Matthews and Qiana Joseph's wicket off Connell's athletic catch brought TKR back into the game. Despite losing three wickets in quick succession, Athapaththu remained resolute and guided Royals to victory in the 15th over.Athapaththu's unbeaten 39 and Alleyne's four-wicket haul were instrumental in Barbados Royals' triumph. Hayley Matthews, with 11 wickets and the second-most runs in WCPL 2024, was named Player of the Tournament.

Welsh Fire's dominant performance against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl secured their place in The Hundred's knockout stage. Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, showcasing her exceptional skills with both bat and ball.Matthews' opening spell with the ball proved devastating for the Brave, as she claimed four wickets for just 14 runs. Her offbreaks proved too much for Danni Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Adams, and Maia Bouchier, leaving the Brave reeling at 15 for 4.Jess Jonassen joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Freya Kemp and Naomi Dattani, while Matthews returned to trap Kalea Moore in front. Chloe Tryon's valiant 55 (38) provided some respite for the Brave, but the Fire's bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting them to a modest total of 103.In response, the Fire's openers, Tammy Beaumont and Matthews, put on a batting masterclass. Beaumont's 59* (40) was a display of power and finesse, while Matthews' unbeaten 35 (31) showcased her ability to find the gaps. The pair shared a 72-run partnership, guiding the Fire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.Matthews' all-round brilliance has been a key factor in the Fire's success this season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her an invaluable asset to the team."We've been really good," Matthews said. "We've got a lot of experience, and we've played on that really well. The bowlers have done a great job, and it's been a complete team performance."The Fire's victory puts them in a strong position to finish top of the standings and qualify automatically for the Hundred Final at Lord's. They will face Trent Rockets on Wednesday afternoon, with a convincing win potentially securing them the top spot.

Welsh Fire's dominant performance at Sophia Gardens propelled them to the summit of the women's Hundred standings, as they comfortably defeated Southern Brave by seven wickets.Hayley Matthews' exceptional bowling display, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs, proved instrumental in restricting Southern Brave to a meager total of 84. The Brave's batting lineup struggled to cope with the seam and spin bowling, with none of their batters managing to establish a significant partnership.Georgia Adams emerged as the top scorer for Southern Brave with a modest 17 runs, while Matthews' all-around brilliance shone through. The West Indian all-rounder's accurate bowling was complemented by a superb fielding effort, with Phoebe Franklin and Tammy Beaumont taking crucial catches to dismiss Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt, respectively.Welsh Fire's chase began cautiously, with Sophia Dunkley falling for a golden duck. However, Beaumont and Bryce steadily accumulated runs, gradually chipping away at the target. Beaumont's dismissal by Lauren Cheatle, who was the most economical bowler for Southern Brave, left Jess Jonassen with the task of guiding Fire to victory.Jonassen's composed batting ensured Fire's fourth win in this year's Hundred, solidifying their position at the top of the table.Matthews, the Meerkat Match Hero, attributed her success to precise bowling and the team's collective effort. "I tried to pitch it in good areas and keep my lines straight," she said. "There was some turn and bounce in the pitch, so I focused on keeping the stumps in play.""We've been playing well as a team and having everyone contribute," Matthews added. "Getting the wicket from the first ball gave us a great start, and we just built on that momentum."

Welsh Fire continued their impressive start to the Hundred with a controlled six-wicket victory over Trent Rockets, extending their winning streak to three matches.Rockets captain Nat Sciver-Brunt elected to bat but faced an early setback as openers Bryony Smith and Grace Scrivens were dismissed in quick succession. The middle order, led by Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner, attempted to rebuild the innings, but Sciver-Brunt's dismissal for 37 left the Rockets struggling. Gardner and Heather Graham pushed the score to 130, but the Fire bowlers, particularly Freya Davies and Jess Jonassen, kept them in check.Welsh Fire's chase also began with a shaky start, losing Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont early. However, Hayley Matthews and Sarah Bryce steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership of 49. Sciver-Brunt struck again to remove Matthews, but Jonassen and Bryce maintained the momentum. Georgia Elwiss joined Bryce after Jonassen's departure, and the pair added a further 44 runs.Bryce remained unbeaten on 51 from 39 balls, guiding the Fire to victory with two balls to spare. "We knew if we just built partnerships together, there were runs out there," Bryce said. "Jess is a great runner. Winning is a habit, and we have had some tight games when different people have stood up at different times."The victory consolidates Welsh Fire's position near the top of the standings, while Trent Rockets' third consecutive defeat leaves them in a precarious position.

Welsh Fire's relentless pursuit of 151 runs at Lord's culminated in a thrilling six-wicket victory over London Spirit, marking the visitors' highest-ever chase in the women's Hundred. The triumph also snapped Spirit's unbeaten streak in this year's competition.West Indies star Hayley Matthews emerged as the game-changer, blasting an unbeaten 78 off 46 deliveries, her highest score in the tournament. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 11 boundaries and two towering sixes.Spirit's total of 150 for 5 was built on a late surge of aggression from Danni Gibson and Deepti Sharma. Gibson's 25-ball 41 included six boundaries and a six, while Sharma's unbeaten 39 off 26 balls showcased her power-hitting prowess.Former Spirit right-armer Freya Davies played a crucial role for Fire, claiming the key wickets of Meg Lanning and Heather Knight. Her 2 for 19 helped restrict Spirit's total.The chase began with a setback for Fire as skipper Tammy Beaumont was trapped lbw by Tara Norris on review. However, Matthews' brilliance kept the visitors in the hunt. She was dropped on 36, a costly error that proved pivotal.With 69 runs needed from 40 balls, Matthews took control, finding the boundaries with ease. Eva Gray's spilled chance when Matthews was on 36 proved costly, as the West Indian star went on to reach her half-century from 37 balls.Despite losing Jess Jonassen to Sarah Glenn, Matthews continued to dominate, smashing Sharma for a straight six to leave 10 needed off nine. Fittingly, she sealed the victory with another boundary, securing a second win for Welsh Fire.Spirit's batting depth was on display as they chased a third straight win. Lanning's 31 off 20 balls and Gibson's 41 set the platform, while Sharma's late fireworks added impetus.