Ireland stun West Indies to register their 2nd ODI win against Caribbeans, 1st in almost 7 years

Ireland cricket team secured a five-wicket victory against West Indies in the second ODI of the three-match series, played in Kingston on Thursday (January 13). Ireland’s victory turns out to be only their second victory against West Indies. They have played till now 15 ODI matches against West Indies and lost 11 of those ODIs.  Ireland’s previous and the first win came against West Indies back in 2015 when they registered a four-wicket win.

On Thursday (January 13) the Paul Stirling-led side managed to overcome their opponents as they claimed a five-wicket victory to level the series 1-1.

Crossing the 200-run mark

Batting first, West Indies team scored a total of 229 runs in 48 overs. Romario Shephard scored a half century (50 off 41 balls) and played a crucial partnership of 58 runs off 27 balls with Odean Smith (46 off 19 balls) and helped his side in crossing the 200-run mark.

For Ireland, their right-arm offbreak bowler Andy McBrine was in superb touch after he managed to pick up four wickets. He bowled 10 overs and conceded just 36 runs at an impressive economy rate of 3.60.

In reply, Ireland lost their first two wickets within 10 overs but a watchful innings played by Harry Tector (54 off 75 balls) helped in averting the early danger caused by West Indies bowling unit. 

Skipper's solid start

Skipper, Stirling looked in form and scored 21 off 15 balls (3 fours and 1 six) but could not carry on his batting after he was dismissed by Akeal Hosein. 

A good length delivery bowled by Hosein managed to get an outside edge as the Irish skipper came forward but the ball only went to the slip cordon where Jason Holder took the catch.

But it was Tector who got all the attention for his match-winning knock. The 22-year-old brought up his sixth ODI half-century but soon found the match to be interrupted by rain but his superb efforts had already managed his side to be ahead of their opponents by 26 runs on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

Ireland had a new target of 168 runs from 36 overs when the match began after an interruption cause by rain. And the visitors had no problem whatsoever to score the remaining 11 runs. 

The series which is currently deadlocked at 1-1 will have its last and final match on January 16 (Sunday).