Hayley Matthews powered West Indies to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the opener of a T20 tri-series in Dublin, with Pakistan also in the mix. Chasing 104, the visitors cruised to the target in just 11.3 overs after bowling Ireland out for 103 in 17. The skipper delivered the finishing touch with an unbeaten 82 off just 44 balls.
Quick facts
- Match: Ireland vs West Indies, first game of the T20 Tri-series involving Pakistan
- Venue: Dublin
- Result: West Indies won by 8 wickets
- Ireland: 103 all out in 17 overs
- West Indies: 104/2 in 11.3 overs
- Player of the chase: Hayley Matthews 82* (44 balls)
- Key bowling: Qiana Joseph 3/8 in two overs
West Indies chose to field first and made a fast start, pinning Ireland down inside the Powerplay. Ireland were reduced to 23/3, and the pressure only intensified from there. Zaida James struck twice in consecutive overs, while Rebecca Stokell was dismissed by Jahzara Claxton.
With the innings needing repair, Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul steadied the ship by building a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their work looked set to reshape the chase, but the momentum shifted when Matthews struck again, dismissing Prendergast in the 12th over. From that point, Ireland failed to put together meaningful stands.
After losing that key wicket, the tail couldn’t extend the innings. Ireland slipped from 73/4 to 103 all out by the 17th over, setting West Indies a chase that required speed rather than caution. West Indies rotated their resources heavily, using nine bowlers in total.
Qiana Joseph was the standout with the ball, claiming 3/8 in her two-over spell. Ava Canning also played a crucial role during the Powerplay by removing Deandra Dottin and Joseph, keeping Ireland firmly in the contest for a brief period.
Matthews takes over
Once the chase began, it quickly became Matthews’ show. She attacked from the outset, hitting boundaries at will as West Indies marched toward the target. Matthews reached her half-century in only 33 balls, and the acceleration didn’t stop there.
She then shared a 69-run partnership with Stefanie Taylor, who supported the chase with 10. With wickets in hand and the required run rate under control, West Indies finished the job in 11.3 overs, losing just two wickets along the way.
West Indies will now turn their attention to Pakistan in their next match at the same venue, with the fixture coming in less than 24 hours.
Brief Scores: Ireland 103 all out (17 overs) — Orla Prendergast 25; Qiana Joseph 3-8. West Indies 104/2 (11.3 overs) — Hayley Matthews 82*; Ava Canning 2-16. West Indies won by 8 wickets.
