KARACHI: An all-round display by Hayley Matthews helped host West Indies go 2-0 up in the five-ODI series against Pakistan with an eight-wicket victory at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Saint John’s. After claiming two for 17, Matthews fell one run short of what would have been her fifth career half-century as the West Indies chased down an easy 121-run target in 31.1 overs for the loss of two wickets. Before being run-out, right-handed Matthews struck nine fours in her 58-ball 49, and also stitched a solid 66-run opening partnership with Kyshona Knight, who remained unbeaten on 39 (90b, 4×4).
Earlier, off-spinner Anisa Mohammed’s four for 27 from 9.4 overs spun the tourists out for a paltry 120 in 42.4 overs after Pakistan captain Javeria Khan had elected to bat. Anisa provided crucial breakthroughs as she accounted for Aliya Riaz (26), Sidra Nawaz (two), Diana Baig (two) and Nashra Sandhu (zero).
Opener Muneeba Ali top-scored for Pakistan with a career-best 37 off 63 balls. The left-handed batter struck six hours before falling to Matthews, who also picked up the scalp of Nida Dar (20). Off-spinner Karismaha Ramharack claimed two wickets for 27 runs from nine overs.
The third ODI will be staged at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Monday, July 12.