West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor both scored centuries in a six-wicket win over Ireland at Bready to wrap up the one day international series.
Ireland – who had slumped to a nine-wicket defeat on Friday after Matthews hit a brilliant unbeaten 159 – reached 241 for seven after being put into bat. Amy Hunter (67) and Rebecca Stokell (57) both made half-centuries in a new Ireland Women’s ODI record fourth-wicket partnership, with Leah Paul then adding a swift 32.
Ireland got an early breakthrough when West Indies opener Realeanna Grimmond – who had scored 91 on Friday – was caught behind off Orla Prendergast from the final delivery of the opening over for a three-ball duck.
Matthews, though, continued to push the run chase on, becoming the first West Indies woman to score consecutive ODI centuries before she was out for 100 at the end of the 26th over, having struck 14 boundaries and two sixes. After Aimee Maguire took two wickets, Taylor then saw the tourists home at 242 for four in 38.5 overs, with Shemaine Campbelle finishing 10 not out.
The last game of the three-match series – which is the start of Ireland’s ICC Women’s Championship campaign, working towards potential qualification for the 50-over World Cup – is on Wednesday, again at Bready.