‘We never doubted’

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC):

West Indies Women all-rounder Aaliyah Alleyne has maintained that the team never lost confidence in their ability to win the One-Day International series against Zimbabwe, despite suffering defeat in the second match.

The visitors secured the three-match series 2-1 with a comprehensive 91-run victory over the home side in the third and final contest at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

Captain Hayley Matthews led from the front with 118, her second century of the series, while Shemaine Campbelle made 96 to propel West Indies Women to 271 for five.

Alleyne, along with Ashmini Munisar and Jannillea Glasgow, then claimed two wickets apiece as Zimbabwe Women were dismissed for 180 in 47.3 overs.

It was a welcome response from the regional side, which had suffered a shock four-wicket defeat in the second ODI.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Alleyne, whose seven wickets were the most by any bowler in the series, said the team held several meetings after the loss, to assess what had gone wrong and how they could improve.

“I think, when we played the second ODI, we were a bit disappointed. We had a few meetings and we discussed where we went wrong and where we could have gotten better, and I think today [Wednesday] showed that, when we give ourselves a chance, the sky is the limit.

“We were disappointed because, when we came here, we spoke about collecting all six points … but that’s how cricket goes. We just reflected and we came back harder and I think that just shows the character of this team and we’re just looking to move on from here,” Alleyne said.

“And I think the captain leading from the front by scoring that century and then Shemaine Campbelle as well, having that partnership shows what partnerships can do and then you had Jannillea Glasgow and Jahzara Claxton coming on at the end and having that wonderful partnership and then, to top it off, bowling out Zimbabwe.”