Matthews shines as Royals spank TKR

FOR THE second successive match, Hayley Matthews was the star of the show as she led Barbados Royals to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Trinbago Knight Riders on Thursday, in the Massy-sponsored Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

All matches in this tournament are being contested at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad.

Chasing a victory target of 114, the Royals reached 116 runs for the loss of three wickets, with 2.5 overs to spare, with captain Matthews, once again, facing the first and last deliveries of her team's innings.

Matthews, who is also the West Indies skipper, was undefeated on 67 (56 balls, 12 fours). She got good support from Qiana Joseph (16), Aaliyah Alleyne (11) and Laura Harris (14 not out).

Fellow opener, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, who replaced Shabiki Gagnabi from the Royals' XI who eked out a one-wicket win over Guyana Amazon Warriors on Wednesday, only made five.

Veteran finger spinners - Australia's Jess Jonassen (two wickets for 21 runs) and Anisa Mohammed (1/11), were the wicket-takers for TKR.

For the second time in as many days, the Royals decided to bowl first after winning the toss, and their bowlers did well to restrict TKR to 113/9.

India's Shikha Pandey top-scored with 30 (34 balls, three fours) while skipper Deandra Dottin made 28 (26 balls, two fours and a six), Zaida James scored 22 (18 balls, four fours) and another Indian player, Jemimah Rodrigues, hit 16.

Pacer Chinelle Henry and Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington each took 2/14 for the Royals, while off-spinner Matthews got 2/21.

TKR will be back in action on Friday against the Amazon Warriors.

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