The second match of the ODI series between Ireland Women and West Indies Women at the Bready Cricket Club is a critical, must-win encounter for the hosts. West Indies currently hold a dominant 1-0 lead in the three-match series following an authoritative nine-wicket victory in the opening game. In that match, Ireland put up a competitive total of 269 runs, anchored by a superb 96 from wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter and supported by captain Gaby Lewis with 39. However, their bowling attack struggled deeply against a relentless West Indian top order, managing to pick up only a single wicket.
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews was the absolute star of the series opener, delivering a masterclass all-round performance by claiming three wickets before smashing a breathtaking, unbeaten 159* runs off 123 balls. Alongside Realeanna Grimmond, who anchored the chase with an excellent 91, Matthews forged a commanding 258-run opening partnership that easily sealed the game. With spinner Afy Fletcher also in peak form after picking up four wickets, the visitors look incredibly formidable. Ireland will desperately need a much tighter, more disciplined bowling display and a big score from Lewis or Hunter if they are to halt the West Indian momentum and level the series on home soil.
IRE-W vs WI-W, 2nd WODI: Match details
- Date and Time: July 12, 3:15 pm IST / 9:45 am GMT/ 10:45 am local
- Venue: Bready Cricket Club, Bready, Northern Ireland
IRE-W vs WI-W, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 13 | Ireland Women won: 1 | West Indies Women won: 12 | No result/tied: 0
Bready Cricket Club Pitch Report
The pitch at the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland generally offers a beautifully balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, the fresh morning surface is expected to provide some nice assistance and movement for the seamers, making the first hour crucial for the opening batters. However, as the game progresses, the track traditionally settles down into an excellent batting wicket with consistent bounce. Spinners will find some grip and turn later in the match as the surface wears. Given the high-scoring nature of the opening match on this tour, winning the captain’s toss and opting to chase seems the ideal strategy.
Squads:
Ireland Women: Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Rebecca Stokell, Orla Prendergast, Alana Dalzell, Christina Coulter Reilly (wk), Louise Little, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes, Kia McCartney, Arlene Kelly
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Shawnisha Hector, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Realeanna Grimmond
IRE-W vs WI-W, 2nd WODI, Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Ireland Women win the toss and bowl first
- West Indies Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
- West IndiesWomen’s total score: 240-260
Case 2:
- West Indies Women win the toss and bowl first
- Ireland Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
- Ireland Women’s total score: 200-220
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
