Hayley Matthews hits 159 in nine-wicket West Indies Women win over Ireland

Hayley Matthews led from the front with bat and ball as West Indies Women started their ODI series against Ireland with a commanding nine-wicket triumph at Bready.

The captain made 159 runs and picked up three wickets while her team passed Ireland's total of 269 with little trouble. Her score ranks as the second-best ODI innings by a West Indies women's batter, surpassed only by Stafanie Taylor's 177.

Ireland, asked to bat first, got off to a solid start before being bowled out for 269 in 49 overs. Amy Hunter top-scored for the hosts with 96, finishing just shy of a century.

During the chase, Matthews was well supported by Realeanna Grimmond, who added 91 before losing her wicket. Taylor was still at the other end with Matthews when the innings ended.

The result puts West Indies ahead 1-0 in the three-match series. The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday at Bready, and another win would wrap up the rubber for the Caribbean team.