CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE across the Caribbean as the West Indies Women won their first ever ICC T20 World Cup title in Kolkata, dethroning Australia with a solid allround performance.
After seeing Australia pot 148 for five off their 20 overs, 18-year-old Hayley Matthews (66) and captain Stafanie Taylor (59) set the table for Deandra Dottin (18 n.o.) to hit the winning runs and secure the victory.
Matthews became the youngest player to hit a half-century in a World T20 Final, while Taylor got player of the series honours with 246 runs and eight wickets.
Praise poured in for the women, with President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dave Cameron, offering his congratulations after the trophy presentation.
“The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), its Board of Directors, Management, Staff and the people of the Caribbean/West Indies are extremely proud of the achievement of the women’s team for its emphatic win over Australia to take the 2016 ICC World T20 crown,” a press release said.
“The region is celebrating the victory. The women displayed grit and determination throughout the entire tournament and ended in a thrilling overall win. Congratulations to the player of the tournament and Captain, Stafanie Taylor and player of the match, Hayley Matthews.
“We also offer all-round praise to the team management and all the persons who worked with this unit in preparation for this tournament. We look forward to the delegation returning home to celebrate.”
The West Indies Players’ Association also sent out their message of congratulations.
“The executive and members of the West Indies Players’ Association would like to extend congratulations to the successful West Indies ladies on being the ICC World T20 2016 Champions.
“The West Indies Women played in their first World Cup T20 final this morning and captured the title from the Australian Southern Stars. The ladies led by half centuries from opener Hayley Matthews and the captain Stafanie Taylor chased down a total of 149 in 19.3 overs.
WIPA’s President and CEO Wavell Hinds in congratulating the ladies said, “Our ladies demonstrated what hard work and dedication can achieve. They have made everyone in the Caribbean and all their fans extremely proud. They are deserving champions. Congratulations ladies, the management and the support staff!”
Destructive batsman Kieron Pollard, who was selected to the men’s team but was not completely recovered from injury, offered his congratulation on Twitter.
Half the job done , well done ladies ???.. Champions!!! Over to the men… COME ON!!!
The former champions were also gracious in defeat.
An amazing performance from @windieswomen! Will it be a #WI double at Eden Gardens? #WT20 pic.twitter.com/jjLkWtJnRa
Even as they look ahead to the match against the West Indies men, England also offered congratulations.
Congratulations @westindies women on their #WT20 win. Great game. Brilliant for cricket https://t.co/CHuNfDWdvI
