CMC – Despite a valiant century from captain Hayley Matthews, the West Indies women’s team fell short against England in the opening T20I here on Wednesday.

Matthews’ unbeaten 100 off 67 balls was the backbone of the visitors’ innings, but a lack of support from the middle order left the team with a below-par total of 146 for 7.

England chased down the target comfortably, losing two wickets, but West Indies coach Shane Deitz lauded Matthews’ brilliance while acknowledging areas for improvement.

“Hayley Matthews again stamped her authority on the game. Scoring 100 not out in a team total of 146 just proves once again she’s among the top players in the world and an absolute superstar. She played a fantastic knock and carried the team, but we were probably 20 or 30 runs short of where we wanted to be.”

The West Indies’ bowling effort started promisingly, with young spinner Zaida James making the first breakthrough.

However, wayward bowling and England’s dominant powerplay performance sealed the game for the hosts.

“Zaida started well, took a wicket, and we had a chance in the first over. But we bowled too many four-balls, and they destroyed us in the powerplay. After that, we were always playing catch-up.”

Despite the loss, Deitz found positives in Matthews’ leadership and James’ new-ball spell, as well as a late cameo from Mandy Mangru.

The coach confirmed varied training sessions ahead of Friday’s second T20 in Hove, with some players undergoing heavy workouts and others taking lighter sessions.

“We’ll also have to adapt better to the cold conditions,” Deitz added, hinting at the chilly challenge awaiting the Caribbean side. With Matthews in sublime touch, the West Indies will hope for a stronger all-round performance to level the series.