Henry’s stretcher scare overshadows Australia’s six-wicket win in World Cup warm-up

CARDIFF – West Indies vice-captain Chinelle Henry was stretchered off the field during Wednesday’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against Australia at Sophia Gardens in Wales, leaving the Caribbean side’s tournament preparations in turmoil.

The 30-year-old all-rounder collapsed awkwardly while attempting a catch at long-on in the ninth over of Australia’s innings.

As Georgia Voll lofted a delivery from Afy Fletcher in Henry’s direction, the veteran charged into position, lost her footing, and crashed heavily to the turf. Play was halted immediately as medical staff rushed to her aid before she was carried from the field.

The extent of Henry’s injury remains unclear, with an update expected from the West Indies camp following consultation with the team’s medical unit.

Henry provides crucial balance with her all-around abilities, and her potential absence would be a significant blow ahead of the team’s tournament opener against defending champions New Zealand on Saturday in Southampton.

On the pitch, Georgia Voll’s spectacular unbeaten 77 steered Australia to a comfortable six-wicket victory. Chasing 132 for victory, the Australians reached their target in just 15 overs, with Voll carrying her bat after crashing 77 off 48 balls.

West Indies, ranked seventh in the world, won the toss and elected to bat but struggled from the outset. Qiana Joseph fell to Lucy Hamilton for five, and Aaliyah Alleyne was bowled by Sophie Molineux for 10.

Captain Hayley Matthews, with 15, was bowled by Georgia Wareham to leave the score at 52 for three. Deandra Dottin anchored the innings with a fighting 46 off 38 balls, but wickets continued to tumble.

Dottin was run out with the score at 112 for six, and Ashleigh Gardner and Kim Garth then cleaned up the tail to dismiss the West Indies for 131.

Australia’s chase was anchored by Voll and Beth Mooney, who combined for 48 in the powerplay. Mooney retired at the end of the powerplay after a brisk 34 off 18 balls.

Ellyse Perry fell for five to Karishma Ramharack, while Gardner 7, and Wareham 1, departed cheaply, but Voll remained rampant to guide Australia home with overs to spare.

CMC

Summarised scores

WEST INDIES WOMEN 131 in 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 46, Hayley Matthews 15, Jahzara Claxton 15, Ashleigh Gardner 2-17, Lucy Hamilton 2-19)

AUSTRALIA WOMEN 132-4 in 15 overs (Georgia Voll 77 not out, Beth Mooney 34 retired out; Qiana Joseph 1-6, Karishma Ramharack 1-19, Hayley Matthews 1-35)

Australia Women won by six wickets.