West Indies finally opened their account in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 with a thrilling win over Ireland

West Indies held their nerve in a thriller to register their first win at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, narrowly defeating Ireland by 7 runs in a tense finish. Captain Hayley Matthews was once again the difference-maker, sealing the game with the final wicket and returning match-winning figures of 4 for 24. 🏏 Match Summary – WI vs IRE, WWC Qualifier Venue: Abu Dhabi (33-over match due to rain) West Indies: 181/8 in 33 overs Stafanie Taylor – 46 Chinelle Henry – 46 Ireland: 174 all out in 32.4 overs Hayley Matthews – 4/24 Result: West Indies won by 7 runs 🔥 The Drama Unfolds Ireland started brightly: 57/0 in 10.5 overs Then the collapse: 4 wickets fell for 23 runs Required 98 off the last 16 overs with 6 wickets in hand Game went down to the wire: 26 off 23 15 off 12 8 off the final over Matthews bowled the last over and took the final wicket with 2 balls to spare 💔 Ireland’s Missed Chances Despite a spirited chase, Ireland will be left wondering what could’ve been: Dropped six catches in the field Let WI off the hook early when runs were hard to come by Failed to contain Taylor and Henry in the middle overs ✅ What Went Right for WI Better support for Matthews: Taylor and Henry stepped up with crucial 46s Bowling under pressure: Matthews and Shamilia Connell kept nerves steady at the death Fielding improvement: A stark contrast to Ireland’s sloppiness This win revives West Indies' qualifying hopes after a shock defeat to Scotland in their tournament opener and deflects some heat off their senior pros. Matthews’ leadership continues to shine in pressure situations. What a rollercoaster of a match that was! West Indies' win over Ireland had everything — fast starts, dropped chances, clutch partnerships, and a classic Hayley Matthews finale. Here's how it all went down, moment by moment: 🔥 Matthews Blazes, Then Fades Hayley Matthews gave WI early momentum, hammering 23 off 18 balls with five boundaries. She was dismissed by Orla Prendergast, who took a sharp tumbling return catch. Qiana Joseph followed soon after, falling to Jane Maguire after being dropped earlier. 💡 Missed Chances Define Ireland's Fielding Zaida James was dropped on 2 and went on to score a crucial 36 (54). She added 87 with Stafanie Taylor, who herself was dropped on 22. Both were dismissed in the same Maguire over, just as they looked in command. 💪 Chinelle Henry: Lucky but Lethal Dropped thrice (on 1, 11, 38), Henry punished Ireland with an unbeaten 46 off 36, including the match’s only six. Despite their recovery, WI may feel they left runs on the table, finishing on 181/8 in 33 overs. 🏃 Ireland’s Chase: A Tale of Two Halves Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter powered the chase to 57/0 in 11 overs. Then, Matthews turned the game: Bowled Lewis Caught Prendergast off her own bowling Hunter was then bowled by Afy Fletcher Leah Paul edged to Matthews at slip Ireland slumped to 98/4, then 146/7, before inching toward hope again. 🎯 Turning Point: Ramharack’s Screamer Laura Delany and Christina Coulter Reilly rebuilt with a 42-run stand. But Ramharack’s clutch catch at point to dismiss Delany sparked a collapse. ⏱️ Death Overs Drama Ireland needed 32 off 30 balls with 3 wickets in hand. Matthews returned: Trapped Ava Canning lbw (controversial call) A run-out followed immediately Then the final wicket: Arlene Kelly slashed a wide one straight to Henry at long-on 🏆 Final Result: West Indies won by 7 runs Matthews: 4/24 Henry: 46(36)* Ireland: 174 all out in 32.4 overs