Ireland secure thrilling one-run DLS victory over West Indies

Ireland moved to the top of the Women's T20I Tri-Nation Series table after securing a one-run win over West Indies via the DLS method in the fourth match at Clontarf. The result came after rain brought Ireland's chase to an early end, with the hosts just ahead on the DLS score when play was stopped. The victory followed Ireland's win over Pakistan on Sunday and marked their first-ever T20I win against West Indies.

West Indies posted 141 for 8 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat. Orla Prendergast picked up 2 for 26, including the wickets of Aaliyah Alleyne and Zaida James in the closing stages. Ava Canning was Ireland's most effective bowler, returning figures of 2 for 11 from four overs and removing Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph early in the innings. West Indies were reduced to 53 for 5 at one stage, with Stafanie Taylor retiring hurt on nine. A 44-run partnership between Shemaine Campbelle (21) and Jannillea Glasgow (36) helped them recover and reach 141 for 8.

Ireland's chase got off to a poor start as Shawnisha Hector struck twice in the opening over, leaving the hosts two wickets down almost immediately. Prendergast then took control of the innings with an unbeaten 71 off 46 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six. Her innings accounted for nearly 72 per cent of Ireland's runs and kept the chase on track despite wickets falling at the other end. Ireland slipped to 5 down in 10.3 overs, but Prendergast continued to score freely and added a sixth-wicket stand with Louise Little. Little struggled initially, scoring just five runs from her first seven deliveries, but she produced a crucial boundary at the start of the 15th over. That shot took Ireland to 99 for 5 after 14.1 overs, moving them past the DLS par score of 98. Rain then halted play and the match could not be resumed. As Ireland were one run ahead on DLS at the time, they were declared winners.

Ireland and West Indies now both have two wins from three matches in the series, while Pakistan remain without a victory after two games. Ireland will next face Pakistan at the same venue on Thursday. Brief scores: West Indies 141/8 in 20 overs (Jannillea Glasgow 36; Ava Canning 2-11, Orla Prendergast 2-26) lost to Ireland 99/5 in 14.1 overs (Orla Prendergast 71*; Shawnisha Hector 2-21) by 1 run (via DLS)