West Indies women cricket team captain Hayley Matthews provided a breathtaking individual display in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup Qualifier match against Scotland. Matthews was taken off the field on a stretcher after picking up a leg injury, but returned heroically to the crease and scored a century under obviously challenging conditions. Her determined innings of 114* showed incredible resilience, although her effort was not enough to take her team's cause towards a win.
Matthews Injured Mid-Innings, Departs Field on Stretcher
In a memorable 245-run run chase versus Scotland, Hayley Matthews helped steady the West Indies innings in a composed display. Together with Zaida James, who contributed 45 runs, Matthews scored a solid base. However, momentum was reversed when Matthews fell injured at number 95 and strained her thigh while batting. She was stretchered from the field since she was not able to walk and there was severe uncertainty whether she was going to be available or fit for the game.
Although the reversal, Matthews' determination was unwavering. The West Indies line-up began to collapse following her dismissal, losing wickets one after the other and failing to maintain the needed run rate. As tensions built, the realization that their leader was not present became more conspicuous.
Matthews Returns and Completes Her Century
Following medical attention and a short convalescence period, Matthews surprisingly returned to the crease when the West Indies had one wicket remaining. Despite still appearing to be bearing the effects of her leg wound, she picked up batting to assist in the last gasps of her side. Showing wonderful concentration and presence of mind, she went on to achieve her century, ending eventually unbeaten on 114 from 113 balls, containing 14 boundaries.
Her reunion with Aaliyah Alleyne injected a precious 30 runs to fill the West Indies deficit as well as bring the team up to target levels. Matthews' strategic stroke playing and skippering at the wicket gave her team a desperate hope, although she herself fought on amidst body ache. The innings reflected not only her skills but also dedication towards the team's cause amid a pressured crisis.
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