Photo Credit: Cricket West Indies
West Indies legend Stafanie Taylor marked another milestone in her illustrious career when she made her 150th appearance in the 50 over format on Wednesday. The match was however dampened by rain as only 52 balls were possible as the second CG United One-Day International between West Indies Women and Ireland Women ended in a no result.
In a contest reduced to 20 over per side after persistent showers delayed the start at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground for nearly six hours, Ireland Women reached 36-5 in the ninth over before the weather intervened for the final time.
Taylor said:
“It’s very special and it reminds me of how old I’m getting. I’m really happy to be back on the park playing and representing West Indies. A couple months ago I wasn’t sure if I would be able to be playing again, but this is the best I’ve felt in a long time, even in my previous years when I was fit.”
She added:
“I feel strong and the work I’ve been putting in with Asia Joseph (strength and conditioning coach) the last four-five months has been really good. I had a good knock in the first game, to be out there with Hayley supporting her, it feels really good. It’s really nice to be back in the Maroon.’’
Having donned the maroon jersey for over a decade, Taylor’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With her unwavering dedication and immense talent, she has rewritten records and etched her name in the annals of West Indian cricket history. Most notably, Taylor has amassed the third highest number ODI 5422 runs in women’s cricket, a testament to her exceptional batting prowess and invaluable contributions to the side.
From her debut in 2008 as a 17-year-old prodigy to captaining the West Indies women’s team to victory in the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Taylor has consistently exhibited her leadership skills, technical finesse, and ability to deliver under pressure. Her aggressive yet elegant batting style, coupled with her ability to take crucial wickets with her off-spin, has made her a formidable force on the field.
Back on the field, West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl. They made early inroads in the Ireland Women innings, new-ball seamers Aaliyah Alleyne (2-2) and Shamilia Connell (2-14) took the early wickets. The Irish innings slipped to 16-4 in the fourth over before Orla Prendergast (13 not out) and Leah Paul (5) put on 20 to steady the innings.Matthews broke the stand at the end of the eighth over before the rains returned to rule out any further chance of play.
The final CG United ODI is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue. West Indies won the first match by 58 runs on Monday.
