Wicketkeeper-batter Rashada Williams has a concussion and hence not in the West Indies XI
Innings break West Indies 259 for 9 (Matthews 119, Nation 36, Tahuhu 3-57, Jess Kerr 2-43) vs New Zealand
Matthews became the third West Indies woman to score an ODI World Cup hundred, and the first from the region to reach three figures in New Zealand. She was promoted to open in the absence of Rashada Williams, who is recovering from a concussion. It was a return to a role she had donned earlier before being relegated to the middle order on the tour of South Africa in January-February following prolonged period of low scores.
After New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bowl, three fours from Deandra Dottin in the opening over set West Indies’ World Cup campaign rolling. Their first four scoring shots were all fours, with Matthews driving a low full toss past cover for her first runs.
Tahuhu, the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 3 for 57, struck back with Dottin’s wicket first ball off her second, as the explosive batter played across the line only to offer a leading edge to Jess Kerr. Tahuhu, however, looked far from her usual best. She had missed the last three ODIs of the recently concluded ODI series against India with a sore hamstring.
On Friday, her second over cost 13, with Matthews stroking three emphatic fours. She displayed her range with the first of the many cuts, pulls, and a back-foot punches that would stud her third ODI century. Along the way, she strung three fifty-plus stands, with Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle and Chedean Nation. Her partnership worth 66 with Taylor was the best of the day, though. It helped West Indies reach 100 at a steady click of around five runs an over.
Full report to follow
Annesha Ghosh is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo. @ghosh_annesha