Cricket Match Prediction | West Indies tour of Ireland 2025 | Ireland vs West Indies | 1st ODI | May 21 – Resurgent Ireland Aim to win Against West Indies in Dublin ODI Opener.  

IRE vs WI Match Analysis

The first One Day International (ODI) between Ireland and the West Indies is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at The Village in Malahide, Dublin. The match will commence at 9:45 AM GMT (10:45 AM local time), marking the beginning of a three-match series that promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with contrasting recent performances.

Ireland enters this series aiming to rebound from a disappointing tour of Zimbabwe, where they struggled to find form and consistency. Under the leadership of veteran Paul Stirling, the team is looking to leverage home advantage and rectify recent shortcomings. The inclusion of newcomers Cade Carmichael and Tom Mayes in the ODI squad introduces fresh talent, potentially invigorating the team’s dynamics.

The West Indies arrive in Dublin with a surge of confidence, having secured series victories against England and Bangladesh in their recent outings. Captain Shai Hope leads a squad that has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, key attributes that have contributed to their six wins in the last seven matches.

IRE vs WI Team Preview & Squads

Ireland

Ireland finds themselves facing an uphill battle in this contest. Their struggles in the recent series against Zimbabwe, where they failed to capitalize on key moments, have raised concerns about their form and consistency in the ODI format. With home advantage on their side, skipper Paul Stirling will demand a spirited and disciplined performance from his team to overturn their fortunes.

Stirling, a seasoned campaigner, will aim to provide a steady start alongside fellow veteran Andrew Balbirnie, setting the tone for the innings. IRE’s middle order, anchored by Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, and Curtis Campher, holds the potential to forge crucial partnerships. Lower down the order, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy will be tasked with injecting momentum during the final overs with brisk scoring.

In the bowling department, early breakthroughs will be key, and Ireland will rely on pace duo Joshua Little and Craig Young to challenge the West Indian top order. During the middle overs, Barry McCarthy and Curtis Campher will be expected to maintain pressure through disciplined lines and lengths. Additionally, spinners Matthew Humphreys and Andy McBrine will play supporting roles, aiming to contain the scoring and exploit any turn on offer.

Ireland Squads 

Ireland

Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Paul Stirling, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Liam McCarthy, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Cade Carmichael, Tom Mayes

West Indies

West Indies are determined to restore their rhythm and reestablish confidence in the 50-over format. Having missed out on both the previous ODI World Cup and the upcoming Champions Trophy, the West Indies are eager to rebuild their reputation. Their impressive showing against Bangladesh in their last ODI series offers a much-needed boost, and Hope will aim to channel that momentum into securing an early advantage in this three-match tour.

At the top of the order, the WI will rely on an aggressive start from the dynamic duo of Evin Lewis and Brandon King, both known for their fluent strokeplay. Skipper Shai Hope will be the linchpin in the middle order, looking to stabilize the innings and build partnerships with power-hitters Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd. The lower middle order, featuring Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase, will be expected to provide the finishing flourish with impactful cameos.

In the bowling department, the pace pairing of Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales will spearhead the attack, aiming to rattle Ireland early and establish control. During the middle overs, the responsibility will fall on Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie to maintain pressure and limit scoring opportunities against a capable Irish lineup. Additionally, the versatile trio of Rutherford, Chase, and Shepherd will serve as vital support options with the ball, offering balance and variety.

West Indies Squads 

West Indies

Shai Hope, Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales      

Ireland vs West Indies outfield report 

The Village, Dublin

Four of the last seven games have been won by the side chasing the score. In this game, the team that wins the toss will not think twice about choosing to bowl first. Most of the sky over Dublin would be clear. We anticipate somewhat difficult batting conditions when the game begins. On this surface, batsmen must play to the merits of the ball. The side batting first would prefer to have 320 runs on the board, but the average first innings score over the past few years has been 270.

Ireland vs West Indies Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

In their last 5 clashes, WI won 3 of them and IRE won 2.

Ireland vs West Indies Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that the West Indies has a 64% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.