WEST INDIES captain Hayley Matthews struck a commanding century as the visitors piled up 271 for five to leave Zimbabwe Women needing 272 for victory in their ODI showdown at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field, but Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle seized control of the contest with a substantial partnership that laid the foundation for an imposing West Indies total.
Matthews led from the front with a superb 118 from 113 deliveries, an innings decorated with 18 fours and a six.
The West Indies skipper dictated the tempo of the innings and punished anything loose from the Zimbabwe attack as the tourists steadily tightened their grip on proceedings.
Campbelle provided equally valuable support at the other end, narrowly missing out on a century after compiling 96 from 119 balls.
Her measured knock included 13 boundaries and complemented Matthews’ more aggressive approach as the pair ensured Zimbabwe spent long periods searching for a breakthrough.
Zimbabwe eventually made inroads, but the damage inflicted by the two experienced West Indies batters had already given the tourists a platform for a late assault.
Nomvelo Sibanda and Beloved Biza finished with two wickets apiece for the hosts, while Nyasha Gwanzura claimed the other wicket.
Gwanzura was the pick of Zimbabwe’s attack economically, conceding just 36 runs from her full allocation of 10 overs while taking one wicket.
Despite Zimbabwe’s late wickets, West Indies maintained their momentum towards the finish.
Jannillea Glasgow struck an unbeaten 26 while Jahzara Claxton finished 11 not out as the visitors closed their 50 overs on 271 for five.
The innings leaves Zimbabwe facing a demanding chase of 272 from 50 overs to win the match.
With the required rate beginning at 5.44 runs per over, Zimbabwe will need a solid start and substantial partnerships against a West Indies attack now carrying a sizeable total to defend.
