Matthews blitz blows Ireland away in tri-series opener

Women's Tri-Series in Ireland, 2026
Last updated on Fri, May 29, 2026

The West Indies romped to an eight-wicket win over Ireland in the first match of the T20 Tri-series, also involving Pakistan, in Dublin. After restricting the hosts to just 103, the West Indies chased the total down in just 11.3 overs with skipper Hayley Matthews blazing an unbeaten 82 off just 44 balls.

After opting to bowl first, the West Indies struck early and had Ireland in trouble at 23/3 inside the Powerplay. Zaida James removed both openers in successive overs while Rebecca Stokell fell to Jahzara Claxton. In need of a rebuild, skipper Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul combined to share a 44-run stand for the fourth wicket.

However, Ireland's innings unraveled once they were separated when Matthews dismissed Prendergast in the 12th over. There were no further partnerships of note as Ireland went from 73/4 to 103 all out by the 17th over. West Indies used as many as nine bowlers, with Qiana Joseph emerging the standout having picked up 3/8 in two overs.

Ava Canning kept Ireland in the game by dismissing Deandra Dottin and Joseph inside the Powerplay. But the rest of the chase belonged to Matthews. Striking boundaries at will, she reached her fifty off just 33 balls and just continued the assault. She shared a 69-run stand with Stefanie Taylor, who played a supporting role with 10.

West Indies will take on Pakistan next, at the same venue, in less than 24 hours.

Brief Scores: Ireland 103 all out in 17 overs (Orla Prendergast 25; Qiana Joseph 3-8) lost to West Indies 104/2 in 11.3 overs (Hayley Matthews 82*, Ava Canning 2-16) by 8 wickets.