In a dramatic final T20I at Bready, Northern Ireland, West Indies chased down a challenging 156-run target set by Ireland, ending the series with a thrilling victory. With the first two matches washed out, this match became the ultimate decider—and what a decider it was.
Ireland vs West Indies
🌧️ Weather Woes Turned Battle Ireland vs West Indies
Rain had plagued the series since day one, delaying matches and building anticipation. After the toss, Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the damp conditions . The wet outfield and a pitch that had seen covers for days made batting tricky early on.
🍃 Ireland’s Bowling: Gift with Extras Ireland vs West Indies
Ireland’s bowlers started cautiously. Matthew Humphreys opened, keeping the Windies anchored, allowing just 3 runs in his first over. But extras, including a leg bye and wide, crept in—unwanted gifts enabling the west Indians to settle. Ireland vs West Indies, 3rd T20I
Soon, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Ben White rotated through, trying to apply pressure. McCarthy broke through late in the innings, picking up a wicket, but by then, had already conceded 50 runs in 3 overs
🔥 West Indies Power Surge
The prosecution was led by explosive openers Evin Lewis and Shai Hope, who took full advantage of the conditions:
- Evin Lewis blasted 91 off just 44 balls, peppering the field with 7 fours and 8 sixes .
- Meanwhile, Shai Hope contributed a quickfire 51 off 27 balls, before still contributing behind the stumps as wicketkeeper .
Together, they formed a formidable opening stand of 122 runs, effectively sealing Ireland’s fate for the chase
⚡ Middle Overs Charge
Post the fireworks, Matthew Humphreys returned in the 12th over to deliver a critical blow, dismissing first Evin Lewis, trapped in the nervous nineties—caught at extra-cover . Moments later, he also claimed Rovman Powell, caught by the wicketkeeper .
Still, by then the momentum was firmly with the West Indies, who stood at 149/2 with CRR above 12
🧭 Final Stretch & Victory
As the innings progressed, Jason Holder and Keacy Carty eased the pursuit. Holder smashed a six off Adair’s bowling in the 16th over, while Carty chipped in with steady support. At 156/3 in just 13 overs, they comfortably knocked off Ireland’s total with overs to spare
🏟️ Game-Changing Performances
- Player of the Match: Evin Lewis, for his breathtaking 91‑ball blitz that laid a strong foundation.
- Supporting hero: Shai Hope, with a swift 50+ knock and reliable glovework.
- Bowling highlight: Matthew Humphreys, whose twin wickets destabilised Ireland’s middle order.
- Extras: Ireland’s sloppy extras and lack of disciplined death bowling cost them the game.
🤔 What This Means
- Series outcome: West Indies register a 1–0 series win, claiming the only playable T20I.
- Ireland’s learning: Despite spirited bowling, Ireland’s middle-order reliability and death-over execution were found wanting.
- T20 spotlight: Windies’ aggressive top order continues to prove its potency in quick chases anywhere.
📋 Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 155/3 | 20 |
| West Indies | 156/3 | 13 |
🔥 Moments to Remember
- Opening onslaught — Lewis and Hope’s 122-run stand broke Ireland’s resolve early.
- Humphreys double-wicket over — pivotal in halting the surge.
- Holder’s late cameo — cresting the chase over the line with striking ease.
Looking Forward
- West Indies will regroup ahead of their next international assignment, buoyed by their powerful batting display.
- Ireland can take positives from their bowlers’ perseverance but must polish their death bowling and field discipline to compete at this level.
Thanks For Reading