Just 24 hours ago, the Irish men’s team registered their first win over India in international cricket, and on June 27 (Saturday), the women’s side secured their first-ever win at the T20 World Cup. Ireland beat West Indies by six wickets to secure their first win at the mega event in their 22nd attempt.
Ireland first played in the tournament in 2014 and had lost 21 matches in a row until today. Although they have won seven matches in the Women’s ODI World Cup, they haven’t qualified since 2005.
Clinical Ireland
In today’s match, they managed to restrict former champions West Indies to just 128/7, thanks to impressive spells from Aimee Maguire (2/22) and leg-spinner Cara Murray (2/13). Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, and Jane Maguire chipped in with a wicket apiece.
None of the West Indies batters got going. However, some sensible batting in the end by Chinelle Henry (27*) saw her side go past 120.
Prendergast’s all-round show
After an impressive spell with the ball, Prendergast took the game away from West Indies with a well-compiled 63 off 44, with eight fours and two sixes punctuating her innings. Amy Hunter (28) and Rebecca Stokell (16*) played their parts as well as Ireland got home with 11 balls to spare. Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies with 2/28, but that was not good enough to take her side to a win.
With this loss, West Indies’ fate in the tournament hangs in the balance. If New Zealand beat England later today, they will be out of contention for a semi-final berth. England are already through, and the White Ferns will qualify with a win tonight.
Brief scores:
West Indies Women 128/7 in 20 overs (Chinelle Henry 27*, Hayley Matthews 22; Cara Murray 2/13) lost to Ireland Women 129/4 in 18.1 overs (Orla Prendergast 63, Amy Hunter 28; Ashmini Munisar 2/28) by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Orla Prendergast
For more news & updates, follow The Crichub on X and YouTube
