Taylor shines with half-century, Matthews helps Hobart into semis

PERTH, Australia, CMC – West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor ended an otherwise disappointing Women’s Big Bash campaign on a high note when she stroked a half-century to see defending champions Sydney Thunder to a consolation five-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers on Saturday.

Entering the contest at Lilac Hill Park on a run of two consecutive ‘ducks’, the right-handed Taylor turned around her form with an enterprising 62 that anchored a Thunder run chase to overhaul a tricky target of 132.

She lost opening partner Rachael Haynes for 22 off 17 balls at 27 for one in the fifth over but then put on 57 for the second wicket with captain Alex Blackwell (26) and a further 36 for the third wicket with Indian star Harmanpreet Kaur (16 not out) as the visitors got home off the first ball of the final over.

Jamaican Taylor faced 54 balls and counted seven fours and a six before perishing in the 18th over with Thunder in sight of victory.

West Indies batting star, Hayley Matthews.

Earlier, Scorchers finished on 131 for four off their 20 overs, after opting to bat first.

Opener Nicole Bolton struck 53 and captain Suzie Bates got 28, the pair posting 63 for the second wicket to keep the innings alive.