Cricket

Hayley Matthews century powers West Indies to series-clinching win in Harare

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 30, 2026, 20:00 IST

West Indies Women secured a 91-run victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI at Harare Sports Club, with captain Hayley Matthews' 118 leading her side to a 2-1 series win.

Hayley Matthews century powers West Indies to series-clinching win in Harare

Matthews and Campbelle set the tone

West Indies Women clinched the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 91-run victory in the decider at Harare Sports Club. After Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field, the visitors posted a formidable 271/5, anchored by a magnificent century from captain Hayley Matthews. Matthews led from the front, scoring 118 off 113 balls, while Shemaine Campbelle provided excellent support with a composed 96 off 119 deliveries. The pair combined to frustrate the Zimbabwe attack, ensuring the West Indies reached a total that would prove difficult to chase. Beloved Biza was the standout performer for the hosts with the ball, returning figures of 2/46 from her nine overs, but the West Indies batting lineup remained largely in control throughout their 50 overs.

Early strikes derail Zimbabwe chase

Chasing 272 for victory, Zimbabwe faced an immediate uphill battle as the West Indies bowlers struck early. The tone was set in the second over when Kelis Ndhlovu fell with the score at just 7, a turning point that left the hosts reeling at three wickets down early in the innings. Despite the pressure, Josephine Nkomo fought hard to anchor the reply, contributing a resilient 74 off 109 balls, with support from Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano. However, the required run rate proved too steep as the West Indies bowling unit maintained consistent pressure.

Series secured in Harare

As the innings progressed, the West Indies bowlers tightened their grip on the match. Ashmini Munisar and Jannillea Glasgow were instrumental in dismantling the middle and lower order, ensuring Zimbabwe could never build the momentum required to threaten the target. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 180, handing the West Indies a comprehensive win. This 91-run victory confirmed a 2-1 series triumph for the West Indies, capping off a successful tour of Zimbabwe. The result highlights the clinical nature of the West Indies' performance in the final match, successfully defending their total to claim the series trophy.