Lahore, April 11: In a nail-biting finish at the Gaddafi Stadium, the West Indies Women’s team edged past Ireland Women by 6 runs in the 5th ODI of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. All-rounder Hayley Matthews delivered a match-winning performance with both bat and ball, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Despite a valiant chase by Ireland, the Caribbean side defended their modest total of 181/6 in 33 overs, bowling out Ireland for 175 in 32.2 overs.
West Indies Set a Fighting Total
Put into bat first after Ireland won the toss, West Indies Women built their innings around steady contributions. Veterans Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry were the standout batters, scoring 46 runs each. Taylor’s knock came off 56 balls, while Henry’s unbeaten 46 off 36 balls gave the Windies a strong finish in the death overs.
Zaida James chipped in with a patient 36 off 54, stabilizing the innings after early pressure. Ireland’s Jane Maguire was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 3 wickets for 35 runs, while Cara Murray and Orla Prendergast grabbed one wicket apiece.
Ireland Fall Short in Close Chase
Chasing 182 for victory, Ireland got off to a promising start with Amy Hunter anchoring the top order with a fluent 48 off 46 balls, including 6 boundaries. Captain Laura Delany added a crucial 32 runs, while Christina Coulter Reilly contributed a quick 26 off 29.
However, Ireland’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure, thanks to a fiery spell by Hayley Matthews, who scalped 4 wickets for just 24 runs in 6.2 overs. She was well-supported by Karishma Ramharack (2/27) and Aaliyah Alleyne (2/33), who chipped in with timely breakthroughs.
Ireland collapsed in the final overs, falling just 6 runs short with 4 balls remaining.
Hayley Matthews: Player of the Match
Matthews’ all-round brilliance — 23 runs off 18 balls with the bat and 4 wickets with the ball — proved to be the difference between the two sides. Her leadership and presence on the field were instrumental in guiding West Indies to a hard-fought victory.
What This Means
This win gives West Indies a crucial boost in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 standings, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Ireland, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as the tournament intensifies.
Match Summary:
West Indies Women: 181/6 (33 overs)
S. Taylor 46, C. Henry 46 | J. Maguire 3/35*
Ireland Women: 175 all out (32.2 overs)
A. Hunter 48, L. Delany 32 | H. Matthews 4/24, K. Ramharack 2/27
Result: West Indies Women won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Hayley Matthews
