Login
After another significant half-century against Pakistan, Hayley Matthews has returned to the top five of the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings. In the second ODI at the National Stadium in Karachi, the West Indies captain scored a strong 57 off 75 balls to lead her team's innings with her typical poise and calm.
It reaffirmed her form and dependability at the crease as it was her third score of fifty or higher in her previous five ODI appearances. Even though the West Indies lost the match, they managed to post a respectable total thanks to Matthews' most recent performance.
Women's cricket, the 26-year-old has been one of the most dependable hitters for the last 12 months. Since the start of 2024, she has averaged more than 50 in ODIs, showcasing her remarkable ability to perform well under pressure. Her return to the top ODI batting group comes at the expense of other well-known players; she overtook Laura Wolvaardt and Smriti Mandhana in the most recent update.
In the revised rankings, the only people still ahead of her are Beth Mooney of Australia and Nat Sciver-Brunt of England.
Despite Matthews' personal success, West Indies have struggled to string together wins. They lost the first ODI to Pakistan by five wickets despite a brilliant 78-run knock from Matthews, and again failed to defend their total in the second match However, her position as the batting unit is still undeniable.
Matthews has contributed with the ball even though she has taken no wickets in the second ODI. She is an excellent team player and a true all-arounder due to her ability to make big contributions and play for extended periods of time.
Speaking after the game, Matthews acknowledged her form but emphasized the need for collective improvement. "It's great to be among the runs again, but the goal is to help the team win. Hopefully, we can put together a complete performance in the final match," she said in the post-match presentation.
Her leadership has been key for a young West Indies side looking to rebuild ahead of next year's ICC Women's World Cup. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, Matthews' example—both on and off the field—continues to set the tone.
With one ODI remaining in the series, West Indies will be desperate to end the tour on a high. The third and final match is set to take place on April 24 in Karachi, where Matthews will once again be expected to lead from the front.
For now, though, her climb back into the ICC's top five is a fitting reward for months of hard work and consistent performance.
