Matthews, Grimmond’s record 258-run opening stand drives nine-wicket victory over Ireland

Hayley Matthews produced a virtuoso all-round performance and combined with Realeanna Grimmond in a record-shattering opening partnership as West Indies steamrolled Ireland by nine wickets in the first ODI here at Bready on Friday, completing their highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history.

Chasing 270 for victory, the West Indies openers made a mockery of the target, racing to 270 for 1 with more than ten overs to spare.

Matthews finished unbeaten on a majestic 159 off 123 balls, while Grimmond fell just short of a deserved century, making 91 as the pair put on 258 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket for West Indies in women’s ODIs, eclipsing the 204-run stand between Stafanie Taylor and Juliana Nero set back in 2011.