Ireland vs West Indies – T20I Series 2025: Match Preview – 1st T20I (12 June 2025)

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
Time: 15:00 GMT (7:30 PM IST)
Venue: Magheramason Cricket Club, Bready, Northern Ireland
Match: 1st T20I of the 3-match series
Series: West Indies Tour of Ireland 2025
Teams: Ireland (IRE) vs West Indies (WI)

Series Context

The 2025 West Indies tour of Ireland features a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series. In the ODI leg, Ireland and West Indies played out a drawn series after two matches were affected by weather. The decisive third ODI saw a dominant West Indies victory by 197 runs under the DLS method, with a mammoth 385/7 in their innings.

Now, the action shifts to the shorter format as the teams face off in the T20I series. With the West Indies coming off a disappointing tour of England, where they lost all six T20I matches, Ireland will be eager to take advantage of home advantage and secure a strong start in the series.

Team Form and Strengths

Ireland (IRE)

• Ireland will be looking to bounce back from the drawn ODI series and make a strong start in the T20I series.
• With the likes of Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker in their batting lineup, Ireland have the firepower to chase even big totals.
• The spin department, led by George Dockrell and Josh Little, could prove crucial on slower surfaces.
• Ireland's recent performances in T20I cricket have shown promise, and they are always competitive on home soil.

Ireland Squad:
Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young

West Indies (WI)

• The West Indies are coming off a poor T20I tour of England, where they were outplayed in all six matches.
• Shai Hope remains the steady hand in the middle order, while Brandon King and Evin Lewis offer explosive starts.
• The pace attack, led by Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, can be a potent threat, especially on Bready's bouncy surface.
• With a young and talented squad, the West Indies will be eager to bounce back and avoid another whitewash in a short-format series.

West Indies Squad:
Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Venue Conditions

Magheramason Cricket Club, Bready

• Known for its lively atmosphere and bouncy pitches.
• The surface is typically good for batting, with some assistance for fast bowlers early in the innings.
• The short boundary on the leg side often leads to a high-scoring game in the T20 format.

Head-to-Head Record

• Ireland and West Indies have played 8 T20I matches so far.
• West Indies lead 3-3, with 2 matches ending in a no-result.
• The last encounter was in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where the match ended in a tie.
• With a balanced record and a history of closely-fought games, this match is expected to be a thriller.

Key Match-ups to Watch

1. Paul Stirling vs Shamar Joseph – Stirling's ability to score quick runs against pace will be tested by the West Indies' aggressive pacer.
2. Lorcan Tucker vs Romario Shepherd – Tucker has been in good form and could be the key to Ireland's success; Shepherd's variations could trouble him.
3. Brandon King vs Josh Little – King's aggressive shot-making could face a stern test against Little's accurate spin.

Prediction

Both teams are evenly matched in this format, and home advantage could play a big role. Ireland's recent performances in T20Is have been encouraging, and their spin options could prove effective on a slower surface. However, the West Indies' pace battery and explosive batting might give them the edge.

Prediction:
West Indies by 3-4 runs in a tight finish, with both sides showing high intensity and entertainment.

Broadcast and Streaming Details

• India: Fancode App/Website – Subscription required.
• Ireland & UK: TNT Sports
• Pakistan: Tapmad
• Rest of the World: Cricket Ireland YouTube Channel

Final Word

The 1st T20I between Ireland and West Indies promises to be an exciting start to the series. With the West Indies looking to regroup and Ireland eager to make a statement, fans can expect a high-quality, competitive match. The result of this game could significantly influence the momentum of the series, and both teams are well-equipped to take it.

Stay tuned for more updates, player insights, and in-depth analysis as the match approaches.
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