Cricket Match Highlights | West Indies Women tour of England, 2025   (1st T20I) – 21 May: England Women vs West Indies Women | Hayley’s Heroics in Vain as England Women Clinch Dominant Win Over West Indies in Series Opener

ENG-W vs WI-W (1^st T20I) – Highlights

A brilliant century from West Indies captain Hayley Matthews lit up the night in the first Twenty20 International of the West Indies Women’s tour of England, which was played under the lights at Canterbury on May 21, 2025. However, it wasn’t enough to stop England Women from winning by eight wickets, as they chased down the 147-run target with 21 balls remaining.

After being asked to bat first, West Indies Women posted a competitive 146/7 in their 20 overs, thanks almost entirely to a magnificent unbeaten 100 off 67 balls by Matthews. Walking in after the early dismissal of Qiana Joseph, Matthews played a lone hand as wickets tumbled at the other end. She showcased her full repertoire, striking 16 boundaries and a six in a fluent innings that defied England’s varied bowling attack.

The visitors’ innings never truly gained momentum beyond Matthews’ brilliance. Only Mandy Mangru (17 off 16) offered any semblance of support. The top and middle order faltered badly, with Zaida James and Realeanna Grimmond falling cheaply. England’s bowlers bowled with discipline and control, particularly Linsey Smith, who returned figures of 1/18 in her four overs, stifling the West Indian batters. Lauren Bell was the most successful, claiming 2/29, including the early breakthrough and the dangerous James.

England Women, in reply, were clinical. Despite losing Danni Wyatt-Hodge for 17 and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt for a duck, the chase was never in doubt. The duo of Sophia Dunkley and Heather Knight stitched together a match-winning, unbeaten partnership of 94 runs in just 58 balls. Dunkley, the aggressor, crafted a sublime 81 not out from 56 balls, laced with 12 boundaries. Knight, ever reliable, struck 43 off just 27 deliveries*, timing the ball with finesse and rotating the strike expertly.

The force needed to defend a total was lacking from the West Indies bowlers. Zaida James and Afy Fletcher were the only wicket-takers, while the rest struggled for consistency. Cherry-Ann Fraser and Karishma Ramharack leaked runs under pressure, and Matthews’ three tidy overs weren’t enough to slow down the English onslaught.

Ironically, Hayley Matthews, despite her superlative hundred and being named Player of the Match and Cricinfo’s MVP, ended on the losing side. Her innings was a masterclass in timing, placement, and leadership — yet the lack of support from the rest of the line-up left the total well below par against a formidable England side.

With this commanding win, England Women take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series, reinforcing their depth and class in home conditions. For the West Indies, the focus must now shift to addressing their fragile batting order and tightening their bowling plans if they are to mount a serious challenge in the remaining fixtures. Matthews’ form is a silver lining, but the Caribbean side will need a collective lift to turn the tide in this short series.

England Women vs West Indies Women Scoreboard

West Indies Women  – 146/7 (20.0)

England Women – 150/2 (16.3)

Result – England Women won by 8 wickets

Player of the match – Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews

ENG-W vs WI-W Playing XIs

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.