By Ben McLeod (CNW)-The West Indies delivered a resounding statement with the bat in the second One Day International (ODI) against Ireland—only to see it washed away by persistent rain at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground on Friday.
After posting a towering 352 for eight—one of their highest-ever ODI totals—rain had the final say, forcing a no-result and denying the visitors a chance to square the series.
The outcome leaves the three-match contest delicately poised, with Ireland still leading 1-0 ahead of Sunday’s decisive finale.
Carty’s class anchors the revival
Following a disappointing collapse in the opening match, the Windies reshuffled their approach and reaped immediate rewards. At the heart of their batting revival was Keacy Carty, whose elegant and measured 102 off 109 balls not only steadied the innings but energised it.
After openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis fell cheaply, West Indies stumbled to 46 for two, prompting Carty and captain Shai Hope to rebuild the innings. Their 81-run partnership was vital in mending the early cracks. However, Hope fell just one run short of his 27th ODI half-century, edging behind off Liam McCarthy.
Unfazed, Carty dug in, raising his half-century in the 27th over off 67 balls before reaching three figures with a classy cover drive—earning a standing ovation from teammates. His knock, laced with 13 fours and one six, embodied poise and purpose.
Forde ignites fireworks with record-breaking blitz
If Carty’s innings was sculpted finesse, Matthew Forde’s was thunder and flame.
Striding to the crease in the 45th over, Forde unleashed a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting that stunned the Dublin crowd. He smashed four sixes in a single over off Josh Little, then hammered two more off Liam McCarthy to reach a scarcely believable half-century off just 16 balls—equalling AB de Villiers’ world record for the fastest ODI fifty.
By the time he holed out for 58 off 19 balls, with eight sixes and two fours, the scoreboard had rocketed to 314 for seven, setting the stage for a commanding West Indies total.
Finishing strong despite interruption
Support came from Justin Greaves with a polished 44 not out off 36 deliveries and Gudakesh Motie, who chipped in with a quick-fire 18 as the innings closed at 352 for eight—their 10th highest ODI total and second 350-plus score against Ireland.
Ireland’s bowlers were left bruised but not broken. Liam McCarthy led with 3-66, while Barry McCarthy and Josh Little chipped in with two wickets apiece, albeit at a heavy cost.
Set an imposing target of 353, Ireland never got the chance to test their mettle. A series of rain interruptions prevented the home side from even beginning their reply in earnest, and despite waiting until after 6:00 p.m., the umpires had no choice but to call off the match.
It was a frustrating conclusion for the West Indies, who had engineered one of their most formidable ODI performances in recent memory. Now, they must turn the page quickly and bring the same fire to Sunday’s final ODI, knowing only a win can rescue a share of the series.
