West Indies and Ireland locked horns with each other in a thrilling third and final ODI of the three-match series at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. Women in Maroon emerged victorious in the encounter by six wickets to clinch the series (2-0). It is worth mentioning that the second ODI between West Indies and Ireland couldn’t take place and was abandoned due to the rain.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first in the series decider, Ireland posted a total of 203 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Gaby Lewis was the standout performer for the Irish side as she scored impressive 95 runs off 121 deliveries, including eight boundaries. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make significant contributions the team was eventually bowled out on the final delivery of the innings. Afy Fletcher was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, bagging three scalps for 37 runs in her quota of ten overs. Shamilia Connell and Cherry-Ann Fraser also impressed with two wickets each.
In reply, West Indies reached the set target for a loss of four wickets in 41.1 overs and secured a comfortable victory. Stafanie Taylor played a match-winning knock for her team and hammered 79 runs off 105 balls, while Chinelle Henry contributed with a well-made 54 off 55 deliveries. The Irish bowlers put up a spirited effort, but they couldn’t prevent the hosts from achieving the target. Aimee Maguire was the most successful bowler for Ireland, claiming two wickets for 24 runs in 5 overs.
Taylor’s impressive batting performance earned her the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her crucial contribution with the bat. Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews was adjudged ‘Player of the Series’.
With the win, West Indies ultimately clinched the ODI leg and will now square off against Ireland in a three-match T20I series commencing on July 4.
