Cricket Match Prediction | West Indies tour of Ireland 2025 | Ireland vs West Indies | 1st T20I | June 12 – Can the Hosts Upset the Windies in Belfast?

IRE vs WI Match Analysis

On Thursday, 12 June 2025, the West Indies and Ireland will clash in the 1st match of their T20 series at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast, also referred to as Bready. The first ball is scheduled for 2:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM local time), promising a spirited contest to kick off the tour.

Ireland has exhibited a commendable recent run against the West Indies during the 2025 home tour—a tightly contested multi-format series that highlights their burgeoning strength. In the three-match ODI series (21–25 May), IRE secured a convincing 124‑run win in the opener at Malahide thanks to Andy Balbirnie’s century alongside strong contributions from Paul Stirling and Harry Tector; bowlers Barry McCarthy and George Dockrell then dismantled the opposition attack. However, they succumbed to a crushing defeat in the third ODI, conceding 385 and losing by 197 runs, leaving the series locked at 1–1.

The West Indies began the series with a resilient performance in the ODIs, bouncing back from a heavy opening defeat to secure a commanding 197-run victory in the third match — responding after conceding 385 in a dominant display led by Keacy Carty’s 170 and contributions from Shai Hope (75) and Justin Greaves (50). WI’s efforts earned them a deserved 1–1 draw in the three-match format.

IRE vs WI Team Preview & Squads

Ireland

George Dockrell has been in excellent touch, amassing 151 runs across 10 matches at a tidy 37.75 average and a blistering 141.12 strike rate. His blend of controlled aggression and power-hitting makes him a potentially game-changing asset.

Paul Stirling, meanwhile, has contributed 135 runs in 10 games, though his 16.88 average suggests room for more consistency. Still, his 120.53 strike rate highlights his ability to provide rapid starts at the top of the order —a valuable combination in T20 cricket.

Among Ireland’s key bowlers heading into the West Indies series, Mark Adair stands out as a potent force. In his last 7 T20Is, he has picked up 13 wickets at a sharp strike rate of 12.76 and a tidy economy of 6.98, making him a consistent wicket-taker and a threat with the new ball and at the death.

Barry McCarthy also brings experience to the attack, having claimed 5 wickets in 5 matches. While his economy rate of 7.25 and strike rate of 22 suggest a more holding role, his ability to break partnerships in the middle overs could prove crucial against a strong West Indian lineup.

Ireland Squads 

Ireland

Ross Adair, Stephen Doheny, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Liam McCarthy, Barry McCarthy, Ben White, Craig Young, Tim Tector 

West Indies

In the lead-up to the Ireland series, Rovman Powell has been in outstanding T20I form for the West Indies. Across his last 10 matches, he has amassed 329 runs at an impressive average of 41.13 and a blistering strike rate of 144.29, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings as well as accelerate when needed.

Shai Hope, too, has made his mark with the bat, scoring 169 runs in 6 games at an excellent average of 33.80 and a striking 156.48 strike rate. His consistent performances at the top of the order provide West Indies with stability and explosiveness, making both Powell and Hope batters to watch in this series.

Among the bowlers to watch for West Indies, Akeal Hosein has been particularly impressive in recent T20Is. Over his last 7 matches, he has taken 10 wickets at a commendable economy rate of 7.04 and a sharp strike rate of 16.2, making him a key wicket-taking option while maintaining control over runs.

Romario Shepherd has also contributed effectively with the ball, claiming 8 wickets in 8 games. Although his economy rate of 10.67 suggests he can be expensive at times, his ability to strike regularly with a strike rate of 18.62 adds valuable attacking depth to the West Indies bowling lineup.

West Indies Squads 

West Indies

Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Jyd Goolie, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie      

Ireland vs West Indies outfield report 

Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Given the anticipated weather conditions, winning the toss and opting to bowl first could be advantageous. Expect breezy conditions with periods of rain throughout the day. The high will reach 63°F (17°C), while the low dips to 58°F (14°C). Winds will be moderate, potentially affecting play during the match.

The Stormont pitch typically offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early moisture can assist seamers, while the surface generally provides good carry and bounce, aiding stroke play. Batsmen should capitalize on the initial overs, and spinners may come into play as the game progresses. 

IRE vs WI Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches 

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

Ireland vs West Indies Prediction 

Cricket analysts predict that the West Indies has a 52% 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.