Gaby Lewis hits 83 but Hayley Matthews century helps West Indies to 58-run victory over Ireland in ODI

Hayley Matthews smashed a century to help the West Indies to a comfortable 58-run victory over Ireland in St Lucia in the first of three Women's One Day Internationals.

The hosts won the toss and decided to set the score and were dominant from the first ball as Matthews went to her fourth ODI ton at a little more than a run a ball.

There were also half-centuries from Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry as they set the visitors 298 for victory, and despite a buoyant start, Ireland could not keep up with the demanding run rate and fell to defeat in the end.

West Indies made a strong start but Ireland picked up their first wicket in the last over of the powerplay when Zaida James was caught leg before wicket by Sophie MacMahon with 36 runs on the board.

It was a while before Ireland got another wicket and the home team continued to score runs as Taylor passed her half-century before looping one straight into the hands of Cara Murray with the score 192 for two.

Matthews struck her fourth ODI ton and brought up three figures in style, smashing 10 fours and two sixes in the process but she soon fell to Ava Canning, and two balls later Rashada Williams was out, with the Windies 198 for four.

Henry’s 50 towards the back end of the innings propelled the home side up to near 300, leaving Ireland a mountain to climb but a stubborn opening partnership between Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis seemed to frustrate the West Indies attack – in the end Paul did the work for the bowlers as she ran herself out following a close lbw shout.

Orla Prendergast threatened to step on the pedal but her slog shot found Taylor in the deep with Ireland still 197 runs from home.

The visitors’ hopes fell on opener Lewis who seemed comfortable at the crease before