sevendayweekender – West Indies produced a batting masterclass to overpower Ireland in the third and final T20 at Bready, winning by 62 runs. This commanding win handed the visitors a 1-0 series triumph after rain forced the abandonment of the first two matches. Ireland, having won the toss and chosen to field, faced a daunting task as the West Indies posted one of their highest T20 totals.
Evin Lewis and Shai Hope opened with explosive intent, punishing Ireland’s bowlers from the outset. The pair raced to 122 without loss in just 10.3 overs, with Hope striking 51 off 25 balls. Lewis played the standout innings of the match, smashing 91 runs in 41 deliveries with 9 sixes and 5 boundaries.
Ireland found some relief in the 11th and 12th overs. Barry McCarthy removed Hope, while Matthew Humphreys struck twice in the next over, dismissing Lewis and Rovman Powell. Ben White claimed the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer for 15, and Mark Adair sent Jason Holder back for 18. Yet, Keacy Carty’s unbeaten 49 off 22 ensured West Indies surged to 256-5, their second-highest total in T20 cricket.
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Ireland’s Bowling Struggles Against Relentless Caribbean Attack
Ireland’s bowlers found themselves under immense pressure from the first over. Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Josh Little all struggled to contain the West Indies top order, who combined brute power with smart shot selection. Evin Lewis in particular dominated anything short or wide, repeatedly clearing the ropes.
Once the opening stand was broken, Ireland fought back briefly. Humphreys’ spell offered some control and breakthroughs, as he ended with 2-16 in just two overs. McCarthy’s earlier wicket and Adair’s late dismissal of Holder slowed the momentum slightly. However, consistent boundaries from Carty and a deep batting lineup meant there was little respite.
Despite tactical field placements and bowling changes, Ireland lacked the bowling discipline and variations needed to contain such an aggressive side. The visitors struck 20 sixes and 18 fours, showcasing the depth of their batting firepower. Ireland walked off at the halfway mark needing a near-record chase to claim victory.
Ireland’s Chase Derails Despite Middle-Order Fightback
Ireland’s chase began on a shaky note as captain Paul Stirling fell in the second over with just 13 runs on the board. Ross Adair and Harry Tector then counterattacked effectively, combining for a 101-run partnership off only 58 balls. Both batters played aggressively, with Adair top-scoring for Ireland with 48 off 24 balls.
Tector contributed well with 36, playing fluently before his dismissal sparked a middle-order collapse. Akeal Hosein, introduced into the attack during the 11th over, proved lethal. He dismissed both Adair and Lorcan Tucker in the same over, halting Ireland’s momentum.
The wickets continued to fall regularly after Hosein’s double strike. George Dockrell was bowled by Jason Holder, Tim Tector fell cheaply, and Barry McCarthy offered little resistance. The required run rate skyrocketed, and Ireland could only focus on damage control in the final overs.
Akeal Hosein and West Indies Bowlers Seal Comfortable Victory
The West Indies bowlers supported their batters with an efficient and composed display. Hosein was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-27 in four overs. His clever use of flight and variation kept Ireland’s batters guessing and prevented any late surge.
Jason Holder took 2-49, showing his experience with well-directed short balls and yorkers. The rest of the attack rotated effectively, maintaining pressure even when boundaries came. Ireland’s only productive partnership came through Adair and Tector; once it ended, wickets fell in quick succession.
By the 16th over, Ireland had lost seven wickets with the target well out of reach. Though tailenders tried to reduce the margin, West Indies never lost control. Their bowlers mixed lengths smartly and bowled to defensive fields, ending Ireland’s innings on 194-7.
Series Summary: West Indies Showcase Power as Ireland Seek Consistency
The West Indies left Bready with a 1-0 T20 series win after the first two matches were washed out. Their all-round dominance in the final match demonstrated their T20 strength, particularly in the top and middle order. Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, and Akeal Hosein were standout performers.
Ireland, on the other hand, showed flashes of resistance but struggled with consistency. Their bowling lacked penetration during key overs, and their batting failed to recover after mid-innings setbacks. Ross Adair’s aggressive knock offered positives, but Ireland must improve in key moments.
This match was the only completed fixture of the series, giving West Indies a narrow yet deserved series win. Both teams now turn their attention to future white-ball contests, with Ireland needing to regroup and West Indies carrying momentum forward.
