The West Indies women have been praised by the West Indies Cricket Board(WICB) following their historic first hold on the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World title on Sunday.The West Indies defeated three-time defending champions Australia by eight wickets to lift the trophy for the very first time.
In reply to Australia’s 148 for 5, a record for a team batting first in an ICC Twenty20 final, the West Indies scored 149 for 2 with three balls to spare.
Eighteen-year-old Hayley Matthews was named player of the match for her 66 runs off just 45 balls to help lay the foundation for the West Indies win while Captain Stafanie Taylor, who scored 59 off 57 balls, was named Player of the Tournament.
Taylor scored a tournament leading 246 runs and took eight wickets in the run up to the title.
These were proud moments for the WICB.
“The West Indies Cricket Board, 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,” read a statement from the WICB.
“The region is celebrating the victory. The women displayed grit and determination throughout the entire tournament and ended in a thrilling overall win.”
The WICB singled out Matthews and Taylor for special praise for their roles in achieving victory.
“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 statement said.
Meanwhile, the West Indies Players’ Association, (WIPA) also extended congratulations to the successful West Indies ladies on being the ICC World T20 2016 Champions.
“Our ladies demonstrated what hard work and dedication can achieve,” said Wavell Hinds, President and CEO of WIPA.
“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!”