Captain Hayley Matthews produced an all-round display as West Indies Women opened their ODI series against Ireland with a convincing nine-wicket victory at Bready.

Matthews smashed 159 runs and took three wickets as the visitors chased down Ireland’s total of 269 with ease. Her innings was the second-highest ODI score by a West Indies women’s player, behind Stafanie Taylor’s record 177.

Ireland, after being sent in to bat, were led by Amy Hunter who narrowly missed out on a century with 96 runs. The hosts were eventually dismissed for 269 in 49 overs after a promising start.

Matthews found strong support from Realeanna Grimmond, who contributed 91 before being dismissed, while Taylor was at the crease alongside Matthews for the final moments of the innings.

The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second ODI set for Sunday at Bready. A win in that match would secure the series for the Caribbean side.