Skipper Taylor leads the way

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor says her sixth one-day international century against Pakistan yesterday had been a long time coming, but the Jamaican was more elated that her unbeaten knock of 105 carried her team to a five-wicket win in the opening encounter in Antigua.

Taylor batted with maturity to get to three figures off 116 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, as the West Indies successfully chased down the 205 made by Pakistan.

Jamaican Chedean Nation chipped in with 23, while Brittany Cooper was not out on 17, as the regional side ended on 209 for five in 47.5 overs. Sadia Iqbal was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets for 47 runs.

Earlier, Player-of-the-Match Taylor starred with the ball by bagging three wickets for 29 runs to help restrict the Pakistani's to 205 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.

Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed also put in a good performance, claiming two wickets for 31 runs in her 10 overs.

Taylor said she was pleased that her efforts helped the team to go one up in the five-match series.

"The team victory was forefront as it wasn't really about the three figures, it was more about getting to the target. Having said that, I am happy to get the century in the end," said Taylor.

The second ODI is also slated for the Coolidge Cricket Ground tomorrow.