Matthews’ all-round effort edges West Indies past Ireland 

Hayley Matthews continued her stellar form, bagging another four-wicket haul to steer the West Indies to a narrow six-run victory over Ireland in a rain-affected ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The match was curtailed to 33 overs per side due to the weather.

After winning the toss, Ireland opted to bowl and struck early, removing the in-form Matthews (23 off 18) and Qiana Joseph cheaply to leave the West Indies at 29 for 2.

However, Zaida James (36 off 54) and Stafanie Taylor (46 off 56) steadied the ship with an 87-run third-wicket stand.

Just as West Indies looked to build a substantial total, Jane Maguire (3-35) returned to snare two wickets in quick succession, including the crucial scalp of Taylor.

Chinelle Henry then provided late impetus with an unbeaten 46 off 36 balls, propelling the Windies to 181 for 6 in their allotted overs.

In reply, Ireland’s openers put on 57 before skipper Gaby Lewis (17) fell to Matthews. Amy Hunter top-scored with a solid 48 off 46 balls, but regular wickets hampered their chase.

Aaliyah Alleyne (2-33) then picked up key wickets in the middle overs, removing Laura Delany (32) and Christina Coulter Reilly (26).

Despite a late fight from Arlene Kelly (18), Matthews returned to dismiss her as the final wicket, sealing a tense victory for the West Indies. Ireland fell just seven runs short, bowled out for 175 in 32.2 overs.

West Indies will next face the hosts, Pakistan, on April 14th, as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

FULL SCORECARD: https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/womens-cwc-qualifier-2025/matches/258343/ireland-vs-west-indies