Bready, Ireland – The West Indies showcased their formidable T20I batting prowess, posting a mammoth 256/5 against Ireland in the third and final T20I of the series. This emphatic performance came despite the recent international retirement of star batter Nicholas Pooran, proving the depth and power in the Caribbean lineup. The spectacular display at the Bready Cricket Ground on June 15, 2025, marked the West Indies’ second-highest T20I total ever, falling just two runs short of their record 258/5 against South Africa in 2023.
Explosive Opening Salvo Sets the Tone
The foundation for the colossal total was laid by a blistering opening partnership between Evin Lewis and Shai Hope. The duo unleashed an onslaught on the Irish bowlers, adding 122 runs in just 10.3 overs. Evin Lewis was particularly destructive, smashing 91 runs off a mere 44 deliveries, featuring 7 fours and 8 sixes. Shai Hope provided excellent support, reaching his sixth T20I fifty with 51 runs off 27 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Middle Order Contributions and a Debutant’s Flourish
While West Indies lost a bit of momentum after the departure of the openers and captain Rovman Powell for a quick 2 runs, the middle order ensured the scoring rate remained high. Shimron Hetmyer contributed a brisk 15 off 7 balls. A significant late surge came from debutant Keacy Carty, who played a fantastic unbeaten innings of 49 runs off just 22 deliveries, decorated with 4 fours and 4 sixes. Romario Shepherd provided the perfect finish with a quickfire 19* off 6 balls, including 3 sixes, helping propel the Windies past the 250-run mark.
Irish Bowlers Face the Heat
The Irish bowling attack struggled to contain the rampant West Indies batsmen. While Matthew Humphreys was a standout performer for Ireland, picking up 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs, the rest of the bowlers endured a challenging outing. Debutant Liam McCarthy had a particularly tough initiation, conceding 81 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket, marking the second-worst figures in T20I history.
West Indies Seal Series Victory
Ireland, in response, managed to score 194/7, falling short by 62 runs. This victory allowed West Indies to clinch the series 1-0, after the first two matches were washed out due to adverse weather conditions. The commanding win underscored the West Indies’ ability to perform at a high level, even in the absence of a key player like Nicholas Pooran, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket.
