West Indies vs Ireland T20 Thriller: Hosts Edge Past Brave Irish in Barbados
Date: June 16, 2025
Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Result: West Indies won by 12 runs
PHOTO CREDIT:WINDIES CRICKET
Match Overview In a pulsating T20 clash at the iconic Kensington Oval, the West Indies held their nerve to defeat Ireland by 12 runs in the series opener. After posting a formidable 187/5, the hosts survived a late scare from Ireland’s lower order to take a 1-0 lead.
First Innings: West Indies Power-Hitting On Display West Indies: 187/5 (20 overs)
Brandon King (72 off 48 balls) anchored the innings, smashing 6 fours and 4 sixes.
Rovman Powell provided a fiery finish with 35* off 16, including 3 sixes in the final over.
Ireland’s Josh Little (2/32) impressed early, removing Johnson Charles (14) and Nicholas Pooran (9).
Gareth Delany (1/25) contained the middle overs, but West Indies accelerated late, adding 68 runs in the last 5 overs.
Second Innings: Ireland’s Valiant Chase Falls Short Ireland: 175/8 (20 overs)
Paul Stirling (41 off 22) launched a blistering start before falling to Akeal Hosein (3/28).
Harry Tector (54 off 39) anchored the chase, but wickets tumbled at crucial junctures.
Needing 24 off the final over, Mark Adair (23* off 11) threatened a miracle until Alzarri Joseph (2/40) sealed the win.
Spinners Gudakesh Motie (1/24) and Hosein stifled Ireland’s middle order.
Key Moments Powerplay Duel: Stirling’s assault (41) vs Joseph’s pace. Ireland: 58/1 after 6 overs.
Tector’s Resistance: His 54 kept Ireland alive, but Motie trapped him lbw in the 15th over.
Final Over Drama: Needing 24, Adair smashed Joseph for six and four, but the pacer held firm.
Player of the Match Brandon King (WI): "The pitch was tricky early on, but I backed my instincts. Credit to Ireland for fighting hard."
Series Impact West Indies lead the 3-match T20 series 1-0.Click Here
Ireland’s positive intent signals a competitive series ahead.
Upcoming Fixture 2nd T20I: June 18, 2025, at Warner Park, St. Kitts (7:30 PM local time).
Stats Snapshot Team Runs Wickets Top Scorer Top Bowler West Indies 187 5 King (72) Hosein (3/28) Ireland 175 8 Tector (54) Little (2/32) Expert Analysis "King’s composure under pressure defined the game. Ireland’s death bowling and Powerplay fielding need sharpening." — Ian Bishop (Cricinfo).
Conclusion West Indies’ explosive batting depth proved decisive, but Ireland’s fearless approach promises fireworks in St. Kitts. Can the tourists level the series? Tune in on June 18!
Note: This report is based on the match held on June 16, 2025. For live updates, visit ESPNcricinfo or CWI/Ireland Cricket social channels. Click Here
