Australia Beat WI by 103 Runs Despite Taylor's 105

Australia kicked off Sophie Molineux’s tenure as ODI captain with a commanding 103-run victory over West Indies in the opening match in St Kitts. The visitors posted 341 before limiting West Indies to 238/8, despite an unbeaten 105 from Stafanie Taylor.

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After choosing to bat, Australia made a strong start through a 75-run opening partnership. Georgia Voll struck 42 from 32 deliveries, while Phoebe Litchfield played a central role with 77 off 72 balls, benefiting from two dropped chances.

Ellyse Perry added 44 from 46 balls to maintain the tempo, although a brief dip followed as wickets fell in quick succession.

Middle-Order Contributions Push Australia Past 300

Molineux, batting at No. 4, survived two stumping opportunities from debutant Tahlia Wilson and contributed 47. She combined with Nicola Carey for a 91-run partnership, with Carey making 49.

Australia regained momentum late in the innings, with Georgia Wareham adding 42 to push the total beyond 300. Afy Fletcher was the leading wicket-taker for West Indies with three scalps, though she conceded 83 runs in her 10 overs.

Taylor’s Hundred in Vain

In response, West Indies faced early setbacks, including the loss of captain Hayley Matthews, and quickly fell behind in the chase. Stafanie Taylor held the innings together with an unbeaten century, her first in ODIs since 2021, but lacked sufficient support from the rest of the batting line-up.

Chinelle Henry provided some resistance with 38, but no other batter made a significant contribution.

Australia Maintain Control with the Ball

Kim Garth led the bowling effort, removing both openers and finishing with figures of 3 for 37. Deandra Dottin was run out by Ashleigh Gardner in the 16th over, further denting the chase.

Although Taylor and Henry added 73 runs for the fourth wicket, Australia maintained control throughout. Gardner also picked up two wickets as West Indies were restricted well short of the target.