Ireland women defeat West Indies for first in rain-affected T20I clash

In a rain-hit thriller at Castle Avenue on Monday, Ireland claimed a historic first-ever Women’s T20I victory over the West Indies, winning via the DLS method after the heavens opened with the hosts just one run ahead of the par score.

Chasing 142 for victory, Ireland were 99 for five after 14.1 overs when Louise Little struck a boundary at the start of the 15th over, a four that pushed Ireland one run ahead of the DLS target.

Moments later, the rain returned with a vengeance, and the players never made it back onto the field.

The win was powered by a magnificent captain’s knock from Orla Prendergast, who remained unbeaten on 71 off just 46 deliveries.

Her innings, which marked her 11th T20I half-century for Ireland, held the chase together after a rocky start.

Earlier, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and chose to bat.

The decision paid immediate dividends in the field. Ava Canning removed Matthews in the third over for one, and Leah Paul’s stunning low diving catch at square cover sent Deandra Dottin packing for 12, leaving the Windies wobbling at 21 for two in the fourth over.

Wicket-keeper Christina Coulter-Reilly then produced a diving catch of her own to dismiss Qiana Joseph for 12, giving Canning her second wicket as the visitors slipped to 33 for three. When Jahzara Claxton was run out for 11 in the ninth over, the Windies were 49 for four.

This didn’t get any better for the regional side, as Stafanie Taylor retired hurt after facing 18 balls and scored just nine runs.

Shemaine Campbelle, with a gritty 21 and Jannillea Glasgow, with a defiant top score of 36, steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership, but the West Indies could only manage 141 for eight from their 20 overs.

Ireland’s reply began disastrously. Openers Alana Dalzell and Arlene Kelly, promoted up the order, both fell in the first over to Shawnisha Hector, leaving the hosts at three for two.

Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell then rebuilt with a 57-run stand for the third wicket before Stokell departed for 12 in the ninth over, making it 60 for three.

Leah Paul, one, and Alice Tector, two, followed quickly as Ireland lost three wickets for just five runs, putting the chase in serious jeopardy.

But Prendergast held firm by hitting 11 fours and a six in her 46-ball knock, and Little’s rain-soaked boundary sealed the historic result.

The victory lifts Ireland level with the West Indies at the top of the Tri‐Nations standings, which also features Pakistan.

The West Indies will face Pakistan on Wednesday, while Ireland will conclude their campaign against Pakistan on Thursday.

(CMC)