IREW vs WIW 13th Match, WT20 World Cup 2023

In pursuit of a challenging total of 138, the West Indies openers Hayley Kristen Matthews and Rashada Williams started the innings on a sedate note by stitching only 21 runs off the first five overs. Just at the stroke of the powerplay, the duo was involved in a mix-up and Williams had to return back for 17(20). Vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle then joined forces with the skipper and the duo looked to accelerate the innings but the Irish skipper Laura Delany trapped Campbelle on the front for 8(10). 

West Indies were tottering at 46/2 and the run rate was creeping over 8 when Chinelle Henry, at number four, walked out in the middle. The right-hander soaked up the pressure from one end and played the supporting role to the skipper. Hayley Matthews kept moving the scorecard on the other hand registered her 7th International half-century. Some late blows by the skipper brought the asking run rate down at the backend of the innings but Leah Paul dismissed the well-set Henry 34(29) in the 18th over and leveled the game again. 

However, skipper Matthew held her nerves and got her past the line. The right-hander secured a scintillating 66* (53) and turned the game entirely. Ireland squandered a whole lot of chances and seemed disoriented in the field. That perhaps costed them the historic victory. 

Earlier in the day, after electing to bat first, Ireland lost the early wicket of Amy Hunter 1(5), who was dismissed by Shamilia Connell in the second over of the innings. Gaby Lewis then joined forces with in-form Orla Prendergast and the duo resurrected the Irish innings.  Both the batters absorbed the pressure and kept moving the scorecard to station Ireland at 65/1 at the halfway stage. The right-hander Prendergast was the primary aggressor in the partnership while Lewis was playing the second fiddle. 

The duo stitched the highest-ever partnership for Ireland Women in the T20 World Cups and just when Prendergast was completely changing the course of the game, Shamilia Connell broke the 90-run stand between the duo by removing Prendergast for 61(47), including 6 fours and 1 maximum. Lewis continued her unhurried approach and she got together with Eimear Richardson but it wasn’t long enough before Karishma Ramharack dismissed Lewis for 38(34). Following her wicket, Ireland went astray and lost wickets in quick succession. Nonetheless, they posted a respectable total of 137/9 in 20 overs. Stick around for the post-match presentation!