Australian women beat West Indies in first ODI

Sydney, Nov 11 (IANS) The Australian women's cricket team defeated the West Indies women by three wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Hurstville Oval here on Tuesday.

The Australian side won the toss and sent the West Indies in to bat, with the visitors putting on 240 for eight from their 50 overs.

Australia women, also called the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, chased down their target with three balls to spare, finishing 241 for seven.

Stafanie Taylor was named player-of-the-match for her innings of 95 and figures of two for 45.

Opener Hayley Matthews (55) was impressive in her ODI debut, notching up a half century. She combined well with Taylor for a 74-run partnership before being caught out at long off by Megan Schutt.

Taylor again anchored her side's innings with her knock of 95 before she was caught by Nicole Bolton at backward point.

Erin Osborne (3-43) picked up her first wickets of the series, while Kristen Beams was very economical, finishing two for 32 from her 10 overs.

Nicole Bolton joined the squad for the ODI Series and made an impact in her first outing, crafting a fine innings of 59.

Bolton's wicket brought Ellyse Perry (53) and Meg Lanning (95) together at the crease, and they proceeded to build a 105-run partnership to push their side's total closer to the set target.

Along with Taylor, Shanel Daley (2-38) and Anisa Mohammed (2-39) also picked up two wickets each.

Tuesday's win takes the Australian side to outright first at the top of the ICC Women's Championship table.