WI Women complete series whitewash Regional team registers 64-run victory over Ireland

The West Indies women’s cricket team completed a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep over Ireland, with a commanding 64-run victory in the third and final one-day international at Bready, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday, solidifying their position in the ICC Women’s Championship standings.

After being sent in to bat, the visitors posted a competitive 257 all out in their 50 overs, anchored by a magnificent second consecutive century from the peerless Stafanie Taylor.

The veteran right-hander continued her sublime form, crafting 105 runs from 113 deliveries, punctuating her innings with 10 elegant boundaries.

CORNERSTONE

Taylor’s innings proved the cornerstone of the West Indies total, with vital contributions from Aaliyah Alleyene, who made 33, and Jahzara Claxton, 30, helping to build crucial partnerships.

The West Indies received an additional boost from 31 extras as Ireland’s bowlers struggled with consistency.

The Irish bowling attack shared the wickets around, with Orla Prendergast, Georgina Dempsey, and Jane Maguire each claiming two scalps.

In response, Ireland’s chase never quite gained the required momentum.

Captain Gaby Lewis provided early hope with a brisk 50 off just 36 balls, while Leah Paul, 32, and Amy Hunter, 30, offered resistance.

However, the Irish innings folded for 193 in 43.1 overs, falling well short of their target.

The West Indies spin duo proved decisive, with Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack both delivering exceptional figures of 3-33, strangling the Irish run rate and claiming wickets at regular intervals.

Taylor’s outstanding performances earned her Player of the Match honours, while captain Hayley Matthews was deservedly named Player of the Series for her consistent contributions across all departments.

“Partnerships are very crucial. Obviously, a big knock from Stafanie Taylor there, but I think the way Jahzara Claxton and Aaliyah Alleyne were both able to build some 50-run partnerships with her were massive when it came to us getting a score on the board,” said Matthews.

Looking ahead, Matthews emphasised the importance of the series victory in the context of the ICC Women’s Championship.

“Being down here, getting six points on the board has been massive for us, and probably puts us in a bit better position on the table now going into our next series against Zimbabwe,” she said.

ENJOYMENT

Taylor, reflecting on her back-to-back centuries, revealed her enjoyment of batting at Bready.

“I like when I bat long, and then I don’t have to field, so that’s the nice part,” Taylor joked. “I think the pitch is really good, and even the atmosphere up here has been fantastic. Batting was easy. Spending time out there makes it a bit easier as well.”

The veteran, who surpassed 10,000 international runs during the innings, played down her remarkable achievement.

“I don’t necessarily watch my stats,” Taylor said. “Most of the time, my media manager would tell me, ‘Oh, you’re on this,’ or that. But for me, it’s just to go out there and play cricket.”