Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor struck brilliant centuries as West Indies defeated Ireland by six wickets in Bready to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
After choosing to field first, West Indies restricted Ireland to 241 for 7 despite half-centuries from Amy Hunter and Rebecca Stokell.
Matthews and Taylor dominated the chase with a 158-run second-wicket partnership, helping West Indies reach the target with 11.1 overs to spare.
Ireland Build Competitive Total
Ireland made a steady start through openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis, who added 38 for the first wicket.
The stand was broken in the final over of the powerplay when Deandra Dottin had Forbes caught behind by wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle.
Dottin struck again in her next over, removing Lewis with another edge behind. Matthews then joined the wicket-taking effort by dismissing Orla Prendergast in the 20th over, continuing her outstanding form from the series opener.
In the first ODI, Matthews had taken three wickets before scoring an unbeaten 159 to lead West Indies to their highest successful ODI chase.
Hunter And Stokell Lead Ireland Recovery
Ireland recovered through a strong partnership between Hunter and Stokell. The pair added 106 runs and gave the hosts a platform for a competitive total. Hunter scored 67, while Stokell made 57 in an important middle-order stand.
Stokell was dismissed in the 41st over by legspinner Afy Fletcher, who otherwise had an expensive day and conceded at 7.44 runs per over from her nine overs.
Matthews returned in the next over to remove Hunter, leaving Ireland to slip from 180 for 3 to 188 for 5.
However, the hosts finished strongly. Leah Paul made 32, while Alana Dalzell remained unbeaten on 17 as Ireland added 53 runs in the final eight and a half overs to reach 241 for 7.
Matthews And Taylor Control Chase
West Indies suffered an early setback in their chase when Realeanna Grimmond fell in the first over to Prendergast. However, Ireland found little success after that.
Matthews and Taylor took control of the innings with a commanding 158-run partnership for the second wicket.
Matthews, who had already starred in the opening ODI, brought up her second consecutive century from 92 balls.
Her innings included 14 fours and two sixes as she once again punished the Ireland attack.
She eventually fell in the 26th over to Louise Little, but by then West Indies were firmly in control.
Taylor Finishes The Job
Taylor continued the chase with calm authority after Matthews’ dismissal.
Aimee Maguire briefly slowed West Indies by taking back-to-back wickets, removing Dottin and Jannillea Glasgow to leave the visitors at 199 for 4.
However, West Indies needed only 43 runs from 94 balls at that stage, and Taylor ensured there was no late collapse.
She reached her century from 104 balls with a four followed by a six, completing a superb innings under little pressure but with great control.
The winning moment came immediately after, when Dalzell bowled a no-ball with only one run left to defend.
That extra, Ireland’s 14th of the innings, sealed West Indies’ six-wicket victory and the series win.
West Indies Take A Lead In The Series
West Indies’ second straight dominant performance confirmed their superiority in the series.
Matthews once again delivered with both bat and ball, while Taylor’s unbeaten century gave the chase a composed finish.
Ireland had positives through Hunter, Stokell and late lower-order runs, but they could not contain West Indies’ experienced batting lineup.
The final ODI will be played at the same venue, with West Indies already holding a 2-0 series lead.
