West Indies international Matthew Forde smacked the joint-fastest half-century in ODI cricket. Batting at number eight, the 23-year-old completed his half-century in just 16 balls, the same as former cricketer AB de Villiers. Forde dominated the Ireland bowling attack right from the start, smacking two boundaries and eight sixes as he made 58 runs off 19 deliveries before Liam McCarthy got the better of him.
Batting first, West Indies had a rough start with both their openers departing early. Brandon King and Evin Lewis made 8 and 20, respectively. At number three, Keacy Carty played a vital knock, scoring 103 runs, and that set the momentum for the visitors. Captain Shai Hope made 49, but West Indies needed a strong finish, and that’s exactly what Forde delivered. He smacked boundaries all across the park and played a pivotal role in helping West Indies post 352 runs in the powerplay.
Ireland, on the other hand, had a rough day with the ball. Ace pacer Joshua Little leaked 89 runs in his 10 overs, while Liam McCarthy conceded 66 runs. However, he clinched three wickets, while Little picked up two.
Notably, the hosts stunned West Indies in the first ODI, handing them a 124-run defeat. Ireland posted a little over 300 runs on the board, but the Hope-led side flopped with the bat, suffering a massive defeat. In the second game, they managed to turn the tide and post a defendable total on the board. Meanwhile, the second innings have been delayed due to rain.
Teams:
Ireland (Playing XI): Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Thomas Mayes, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Liam McCarthy
West Indies (Playing XI): Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (wk/c), Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales
