Alyssa Healy steers Australia to T20 win over the West Indies
Alyssa Healy compiled a half century in her milestone match against West Indies on Sunday. Photo: Getty
Alyssa Healy has fired Australia to an eight-wicket T20 victory over the West Indies in her 250th international match.
The Australia captain steered the all-conquering outfit toward a total of 2-149 with a powerful half-century and Tahlia McGrath helped complete the run chase at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
West Indies set Australia a tricky target as captain Hayley Matthews led the way with a stunning innings, only to be left stranded at the non-striker’s end on 99 not out as the vistors made 3-147.
Healy opened the batting for Australia in reply and soon put her side back in control as she raced to 56 from only 29 balls with three sixes and seven boundaries.
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The 33-year-old eventually skied a shot over cover to be caught off the bowling of Matthews but the damage had already been done with Australia 2-107 in the 10th over.
McGrath ensured Australia started their summer campaign with a commanding triumph as the all-rounder cruised to an unbeaten 60 off 32 with three sixes and eight fours
Ash Gardner (13 not out) and Beth Mooney (12) were the only other batters required as Australia made light work of what loomed as a challenging chase to reach their target with 40 balls to spare.
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After Matthews’ batting heroics gave West Indies some hope against the reigning T20 World Cup champions, the off-spinner later took the new ball and finished with 1-17.
But as Australia dominated with the bat their opponents paid the price for grassing several chances as Chinelle Henry (1-30) was West Indies only other wicket-taker.
Matthews had earlier looked set for a second T20I century until Shemaine Campbelle (19) was stumped off the second last ball of the innings.
The opener batted through West Indies’ innings while putting together an entertaining knock from 74 balls with four sixes and 12 fours.
Megan Schutt (0-15) took the new ball in her 100th T20I for Australia and only conceded one run from two overs.
Ellyse Perry returned to the line-up after injuring a knee against Ireland in July but the gun all-rounder was held back from bowling.
-AAP
