Bristol, June 27: Ireland produced a clinical performance to defeat the West Indies by six wickets in their group-stage clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to bag their maiden World Cup win, here on Saturday.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, Ireland’s bowling attack immediately put the West Indies under pressure.
The Caribbean side struggled to build momentum early on, finding themselves at a pedestrian 54/3 at the 10-over mark.
While captain Hayley Matthews (22 off 25) and the veteran Deandra Dottin (21 off 28) tried to stabilize the innings, they found it difficult to break away against a disciplined Irish bowling unit.
Chinelle Henry provided a much-needed late acceleration, scoring a quick-fire 27 off 21 balls, but Cara Murray (2/13) and Aimee Maguire (2/22) kept striking at crucial intervals.
The West Indies were ultimately restricted to a modest total of 128/7 in their 20 overs.
Needing 129 runs to win, Ireland’s chase was anchored by a spectacular, aggressive knock from Orla Prendergast. Following the early departure of captain Gaby Lewis (9), Prendergast took absolute charge of the game.
Prendergast played a match-winning innings of 63 off just 44 balls, smashing 8 fours and 2 sixes, dismantling the West Indian bowling attack and pushing the required run rate well within comfort.
She was ably supported by opener Amy Hunter, who played a steady hand anchoring the other end with a 32-ball 28.
Though Ashmini Munisar picked up two wickets (2/28) to cause a minor middle-order hiccup, Rebecca Stokell (16 not out off 15) and Louise Little (4 not out) comfortably steered Ireland across the finish line in 18.1 overs, scoring 129/4 to wrap up a decisive 6-wicket victory. (Agencies)
