Rain cancels out Windies’ historic batting effort

A memorable and historic batting display by the West Indies was undone by the weather, as rain forced a no-result in the second One Day International against Ireland at Clontarf on Friday.

After a disappointing opening ODI loss by 124 runs on Tuesday, the West Indies bounced back impressively. Led by a sensational century from Keacy Carty and powerful hitting from Matthew Forde, they posted a commanding total of 352 for eight in their 50 overs.

This score marks their 10th highest in ODIs and the second time they have surpassed 350 runs against Ireland in the format. Unfortunately, the weather prevented a result, leaving the match abandoned.

Faced with a difficult task of scoring at over seven runs an over, Ireland’s run chase never even got off the ground, as consistent showers across the ground led to the match being called off after 6 p.m.

It was a disappointing result for the West Indies, who now have to win the third and final ODI on Sunday to tie the three-match series at 1-1.

The visitors would have been heartened by the effort from their batters, especially Carty, who provided the perfect platform with his second ODI century.

For the second match, openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis found themselves back in the pavilion early on to leave the Windies 46 for two.

However, Carty and captain Shai Hope joined forces and repaired the early damage in an 81-run partnership.

But just as it looked as though the pair were shifting into second gear, fast bowler Liam McCarthy found the outside edge of Hope’s bat with him just one run away from a 27th ODI half century.

Carty began his innings cautiously, then began to find his groove, eventually bringing up his half-century off 67 balls in the 27th over.

New batsman Amir Jangoo made just 13 before he was dismissed by left-arm spinner George Dockrell as the Windies slipped to 187 for four in the 34th over.

Carty reached his milestone by driving Dockrell out to the cover boundary for two runs, to the delight of his teammates who gave him a standing ovation from the dugout.

He added just two more runs before edging McCarthy behind to the wicketkeeper, to be out for 102 off 109 balls, laced with 13 fours and one six.

Forde then treated the crowd on hand to a masterful display of power hitting in record-breaking fashion.

He hit the second ball he faced for six and then thumped Josh Little for four sixes in the next over.

Forde followed that up by hitting Thomas Hayes for a four and a six off consecutive deliveries, and when he bludgeoned Liam McCarthy for two sixes in the ensuing over, he tied AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest ODI fifty, off just 16 balls.

He eventually fell for 58 off 19 balls, inclusive of eight sixes and two fours.

By the time he lost his wicket, the Windies were 314 for seven in the 47th over and well on the way to a large total.

Justin Greaves scored an unbeaten 44 from 36 balls, while Gudakesh Motie struck 18 runs in a late cameo.

For Ireland, Liam McCarthy took 3-66, Barry McCarthy 2-68 and Josh Little 2-89.

(CMC)