Ireland script history with maiden win in Women's T20 World Cup match, dent West Indies' semi-final hopes
Bristol, June 28
Twelve years, five ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaigns, and 22 matches later, Ireland finally ended their long wait for a maiden victory at the tournament.
Ireland scripted history on Saturday with a commanding six-wicket win over West Indies in their final Group stage match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Orla Prendergast starred with a composed half-century as Ireland chased down a target of 129 with 11 balls to spare, sealing their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup win.
Although Ireland had already been eliminated from semi-final contention, the result dealt a major blow to the West Indies' hopes. Their qualification now depends on the outcome of the Group match between New Zealand and England, as per the ICC website.
After Ireland elected to field, Aimee Maguire led a disciplined bowling show as she snapped Qiana Joseph in the very first over.
The power-packed West Indian batting line-up failed to catch momentum and were unable to hit a single six in the innings. While Hayley Matthews battled out a tough opening passage of play with 22 off 25 balls, Chinelle Henry provided some resistance at the end with an unbeaten 27.
Along with Matthews, Deandra Dotting and Stafanie Taylor also got starts, but the Caribbean side lacked that one big innings or key partnerships to help them turn the tide.
The pitch at the Bristol County ground stayed low and had some uneven bounce. Ireland used the conditions to their advantage and took wickets at regular intervals to keep the pressure on the West Indies.
All five Irish bowlers were amongst the wickets, but Maguire's 2/22 and 2/13 by Cara Murray stood out. Murray's tight spell kept the West Indies batters at bay, and she also claimed the key wicket of Matthews.
With history within sight, Ireland came up with a mature and assured batting performance.
Though their positive start was marred by the wicket of captain Gaby Lewis, Ireland continued to press on. It was the 62-run partnership, in 53 balls, between Prendergast and Amy Hunter (28) that took the game away from the West Indies.
Prendergast continued her impressive form as she struck eight fours and two sixes. Her innings of 63 took Ireland within striking distance.
But when Matthews had her hole out to Deandra Dottin in the deep, it revived memories of Ireland's failed run chase against New Zealand earlier in the tournament, when the Irish fell short by four runs.
Ireland, however, made sure there was no late drama as Rebecca Stokell and Louise Little held their nerve to knock off the required runs. Little wrapped up the landmark win for Ireland with a boundary off Aaliyah Alleyne.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, West Indies batting looked like a mess today. No sixes in the entire innings? Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin getting starts but not converting - feels like deja vu from many of our Indian men's team collapses. That said, credit to Ireland for using the conditions well. Cara Murray's 2/13 was brilliant. But West Indies' semi-final hopes now hanging by a thread... 😬
As someone who follows women's cricket closely, this is massive for Ireland. They've been the nearly team for so many tournaments - remember that heartbreaking 4-run loss against New Zealand? To finally get over the line with a composed chase shows real growth. Prendergast and Hunter's partnership was textbook. Well played, Ireland! 👏
West Indies' batting approach needs serious rethinking. 128/5 in 20 overs with no sixes? That's not the Caribbean brand of cricket we know. And their fielding was average too. Ireland fully deserved this win - they bowled tight lines, fielded well, and chased smartly. But honestly, as an Indian fan, I'm concerned about how many associate nations are struggling to get results. We need more competitive teams in women's cricket.
What a heartwarming story! Ireland showing that persistence pays off. Big shoutout to Orla Prendergast - what a knock under pressure! Her 62-run partnership with Amy Hunter was the game-changer. And Louise Little finishing it with a boundary - perfect ending! Makes you appreciate how every team in the World Cup has something to fight for, even when mathematically out of contention. #CricketForAll 🌟
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