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Date: June 15, 2025
Venue: Bready Cricket Club Ground, Northern Ireland
Series Result: West Indies won the 3-match T20I series 1–0
West indies vs Ireland t20 2025
Cricket fans were treated to a batting masterclass on Sunday as the West Indies outplayed Ireland by 62 runs in the third and final T20I, clinching the series with an authoritative performance. After rain spoiled the first two matches, the sun finally shone on Bready, and so did the Caribbean stars, particularly Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, and debutant Keacy Carty, who made sure West Indies finished the tour on a high.
🌟West indies vs Ireland A Match of Records and Fireworks
This wasn’t just another T20 International—it was a run-fest filled with individual brilliance, team dominance, and some unfortunate records for the Irish bowling attack. West Indies posted a mammoth 256/5, their second-highest total ever in T20I history, and Ireland crumbled under the pressure despite some strong moments during their chase.
Let’s break down the key highlights, performances, and talking points from this memorable encounter.
🔥 Evin Lewis: The Caribbean Hurricane
Coming into the match with a point to prove, Evin Lewis turned the Bready pitch into a batter’s paradise. He scored a sensational 91 runs off just 44 deliveries, showcasing his clean hitting and match-winning intent right from the start.
- Boundaries: 7 fours and 8 towering sixes
- Strike Rate: 206.82
- Milestone: 13th T20I fifty
His innings was not just powerful but perfectly timed. Lewis launched the attack early, targeting the Irish seamers and pushing them on the backfoot. The opening stand with Shai Hope was the cornerstone of West Indies’ innings, laying a rock-solid foundation for the fireworks that followed.
🧠 Shai Hope: Calm and Calculated Carnage
Often known for his composure in ODIs, Shai Hope showed he’s no slouch in T20s either. He scored 51 runs from 27 balls, anchoring the innings while ensuring the run rate never dipped. His experience in reading conditions and rotating strike ensured that the Irish bowlers never had a breather.
The Hope-Lewis duo stitched together a 122-run opening stand, which not only set the tone but also sapped the energy out of Ireland’s defense early in the game.
🎉 Keacy Carty’s Dream Debut
The surprise package of the day was Keacy Carty, making his T20I debut. The 27-year-old right-hander played like a seasoned pro, hammering an unbeaten 49 runs off just 22 balls. His innings was laced with confidence, class, and brute force.
- Strike Rate: 222.72
- Boundaries: 4 fours and 4 sixes
- Impact: Took WI from 190 to 256 in final overs
Carty’s acceleration in the death overs ensured West Indies didn’t just post a good total—they posted an intimidating, potentially match-winning total.
📉 Ireland’s Struggles with the Ball
Ireland’s bowlers had a tough outing, but it was particularly forgettable for debutant Liam McCarthy, who ended with bowling figures of:
- 4 Overs
- 0 Wickets
- 81 Runs Conceded
This turned out to be the second-most expensive bowling spell in the history of T20Is. The likes of Barry McCarthy and Josh Little also struggled to contain the flow of runs, with none of the frontline bowlers able to strike early or create pressure.
Only Mark Adair managed some control, but even he went for over 10 runs an over.
Ireland’s Fightback with the Bat
Chasing 257 was always going to be a steep task, but Ireland began with intent and aggression.
- Ross Adair (48 off 27): Played fearlessly in the Powerplay.
- Harry Tector (38 off 29): Anchored the middle overs with confidence.
- 101-run partnership: Gave Ireland a glimmer of hope.
However, once Tector fell in the 11th over, the rest of the batting lineup folded quickly. The pressure of the required run rate, combined with smart bowling changes from the Windies, led to a collapse. Ireland ended at 194/7, 62 runs short.
🎯 West Indies’ Smart Bowling & Fielding
While batting took the headlines, West Indies’ bowlers were disciplined and used the big total wisely.
- Akeal Hosein: 3/27 in 4 overs – turned the match post-Powerplay.
- Jason Holder: 2 wickets and tight lines in the death overs.
- Romario Shepherd and Joseph: Controlled the middle phase with good pace variation.
The fielding was sharp too, with catches held under pressure and quick ground fielding saving crucial runs. Overall, it was a complete bowling effort that backed up the explosive batting.
🏆 Series Recap: A Rain-Hit But Entertaining Tour OF West indies vs Ireland
- 1st T20I: Washed out due to rain
- 2nd T20I: Also abandoned
- 3rd T20I: West Indies won by 62 runs
Though the first two matches didn’t produce results, the final T20I delivered more than enough entertainment to satisfy fans of both nations. For Ireland, there were positives in batting partnerships and some individual flair, but they were clearly outplayed by a West Indies side in red-hot form.
📈 West indies vs Ireland Statistical Highlights
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| West Indies Total | 256/5 (20 overs) |
| Ireland Total | 194/7 (20 overs) |
| Highest Run-scorer | Evin Lewis – 91 (WI) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Akeal Hosein – 3/27 (WI) |
| Total Sixes Hit | 26 (WI: 20, IRE: 6) |
| Most Expensive Spell | Liam McCarthy – 0/81 (4 overs) |
🔍 What’s Next for Both Teams?
- West Indies will now shift their focus to the upcoming Test series against Australia, where they aim to carry this momentum and confidence.
- Ireland, meanwhile, will reflect on their squad depth and bowling strategy. The emergence of Tector and Adair as strong hitters is a positive sign, but their bowling remains an area of concern.
💬 Final Thoughts
This final T20I wasn’t just a win—it was a statement from the West Indies. The explosive batting, effective bowling, and overall team spirit showed that the Caribbean side is building a strong T20 unit ahead of bigger challenges like the T20 World Cup and international tours.
For Ireland, the series brought moments of brilliance and valuable experience. As they continue developing their squad, these tough matches will help shape the core of their white-ball team.
Cricket fans couldn’t have asked for a better climax to a rain-affected series. With performances like these, T20 cricket continues to excite, inspire, and evolve.