Orla Prendergast delivered a complete performance as Ireland Women recorded their maiden T20I triumph against West Indies—winning by a single run under the DLS method in a tri-series game that has significantly improved their pathway to the final. Prendergast struck an unbeaten 71 during the chase while also taking two key wickets earlier, ensuring Ireland could stay just ahead as the contest swung in both directions.
Key takeaways
- Prendergast was the match-winner with two wickets and an unbeaten 71 in Ireland’s successful DLS chase.
- West Indies struggled early, losing momentum after Ava Canning found success twice in the Powerplay.
- At the halfway stage, West Indies were effectively five down on 53/4, needing a major recovery in the second half.
- Campbelle’s departure with five overs remaining and two late strikes by Prendergast set up a tense finish.
- Ireland finished on 99/5 in 14.1 overs, chasing 141 with a result decided by DLS after rain forced play to stop.
West Indies stall early and lose their shape
West Indies started poorly in the batting innings, with Ava Canning striking twice during the Powerplay to disrupt the opening rhythm. As the innings progressed, the top order failed to build partnerships and was pushed back into the dressing room inside five overs, leaving West Indies without any consistent momentum.
The situation worsened further when Stafanie Taylor had to retire hurt just a few deliveries after a run out tightened the screws on West Indies. By the halfway point, they were struggling at 53/4—effectively down to five after the impact of earlier setbacks—meaning they required a strong acceleration in the latter stages to keep the scoreboard moving.
Glasgow and Campbelle provide a recovery, but the innings still fades
The lift West Indies needed arrived in part through a crucial partnership involving Jannillea Glasgow and Shemaine Campbelle. Both batters found boundaries early, helping West Indies regain some structure and breathe life into their innings. With five overs remaining, Campbelle was sent back, ending the recovery just as the finish phase was approaching.
At the death, Prendergast struck twice as Ireland’s bowlers tightened the contest. Even so, West Indies managed to cross the 140-run mark, thanks to boundaries from three lower-order batters that helped them reach a competitive total. Ultimately, West Indies posted 141/8 in their 20 overs.
Ireland’s chase: Prendergast takes control after early wickets
Chasing 141, Shawnisha Hector made the target look daunting when she removed both Irish openers within the first four balls of the innings. That early double blow brought Prendergast to the crease, and she took charge immediately, steering Ireland’s response with authority.
On her 24th birthday, the Ireland captain went on a boundary spree, with Rebecca Stokell unable to get much of a turn at the other end. West Indies then briefly swung the momentum in their favour by striking three times in quick succession, leaving Ireland in trouble at 65/5.
A rain-trimmed finish decides it: Ireland win by one run (DLS)
Prendergast responded again, refusing to let the chase collapse. By the time Ireland reached 95/5 after 14 overs, she had scored 71 of those runs herself, and Ireland were still three runs behind the DLS-adjusted requirement at that stage.
With the rain beginning to intensify, the officials still allowed one more delivery to be bowled. That ball was edged for a boundary by Louise Little in a dramatic moment, setting up the outcome. As the downpour grew stronger, the players were forced off the field and play never resumed, allowing Ireland to complete a remarkable win.
Brief scores
West Indies 141/8 in 20 overs (Jannillea Glasgow 36; Ava Canning 2-11, Orla Prendergast 2-26) lost to Ireland 99/5 in 14.1 overs (Orla Prendergast 71*; Shawnisha Hector 2-21) by 1 run (via DLS).
