In a sensational display of T20 cricket, the West Indies defeated Ireland by 55 runs in the third and final T20I of the series, played today at the Bready Cricket Club. After two frustrating washouts, both teams delivered an unforgettable encounter, with the West Indies setting a new record for the highest T20I total on Irish soil.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Ireland’s decision initially looked questionable as the West Indies openers, Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, unleashed an astonishing assault. The pair put on a breathtaking 122-run partnership in just 8.3 overs, setting the tone for a monumental total. Captain Hope led from the front, smashing a blistering 51 off only 27 balls, adorned with 4 fours and 4 sixes, before being caught by Rovman Powell off Jason Holder.
However, the true star of the West Indies innings was Evin Lewis. The destructive left-hander put on a masterclass of power-hitting, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. Lewis hammered an incredible 91 runs from just 44 deliveries, including 7 boundaries and 8 towering sixes, demoralizing the Irish bowling attack. His innings was a showcase of clean striking and aggressive intent, laying the foundation for an imposing score.
The momentum continued even after the openers departed, with debutant Keacy Carty playing a crucial role in the death overs. Carty’s quickfire 49 not out off just 22 balls, laced with 3 fours and 3 sixes, propelled the West Indies to an astounding 256/5 in their allotted 20 overs. This marked the highest T20I total ever recorded in Ireland, a testament to the West Indies’ dominant batting performance.
For Ireland, the bowlers endured a tough day at the office. Matthew Humphreys was the most successful, claiming 2 wickets for 49 runs from his four overs. Barry McCarthy, Ben White, and Mark Adair each managed to pick up a solitary wicket, but at a high cost, as the West Indies batters found the boundaries with remarkable ease.
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Ross Adair and Harry Tector going nicely…
▪️West Indies 256-5 (20 overs)
▪️Ireland 111-1 (10 overs)👀 WATCH: TNT Sports 1 (410)
📝 SCORECARD: https://t.co/wogtmmczgj
📰 SERIES GUIDE: https://t.co/SPlkobEu8e#BackingGreen #TokenFi… pic.twitter.com/BDM3mgfRQ8— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) June 15, 2025
Ireland’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing a colossal 257 for victory, Ireland started their chase with characteristic aggression. Openers Paul Stirling and Ross Adair aimed to match the intensity of their opponents. Stirling, the captain, made a quick 13 off 6 balls before falling to Jason Holder, caught by Shimron Hetmyer. However, Ross Adair continued the onslaught, playing a scintillating knock of 47 runs from just 32 balls, featuring 3 fours and 4 sixes, providing a glimmer of hope for the home side.
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Harry Tector also chipped in with a vital 32 off 19 deliveries, maintaining a brisk scoring rate. At one point, Ireland was 106/1 in 9.3 overs, showcasing their intent to challenge the imposing target. However, the West Indies bowlers, learning from their earlier struggles, tightened their lines and lengths. Jason Holder was instrumental, picking up the crucial wickets of Paul Stirling and then Tim Tector (7 off 9), who was brilliantly caught by Shimron Hetmyer at sweeper cover.
Akeal Hosein, with his guile and variations, proved to be the most effective bowler for the West Indies. He finished his spell with impressive figures of 3/27 from 4 overs, including the key wicket of George Dockrell, who was caught by a superb running catch from Jason Holder at long-on for 15 (8 balls). Gudakesh Motie also contributed with a wicket, keeping the pressure on the Irish middle order.
How about that for a debut innings!💥
How good was the debutant today?⭐ #WIvIRE pic.twitter.com/bEHpNF0u6S
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 15, 2025
Despite a valiant effort, Ireland’s chase ultimately faltered under the immense pressure of the required run rate. They lost quick wickets in the latter half of their innings, unable to sustain the power-hitting required to reach such a colossal target. The West Indies bowlers, particularly in the crucial middle and death overs, showcased their experience and ability to defend a large total, securing a convincing 55-run victory and clinching the series.
This thrilling encounter provided a fitting end to a series that had been hampered by rain, showcasing the explosive talent within both squads and leaving fans eager for their next clash.
