- May 23, 2025
IRE vs WI (1st ODI) – Highlights
In a clinical performance at Dublin on May 21, 2025, Ireland outclassed West Indies by a resounding margin of 124 runs in the first One Day International of the series. It was a contest defined by measured resilience with the bat, backed by incisive, disciplined bowling that left the visitors floundering.
The hero of the day was Andy Balbirnie, whose elegant century (112 off 138 balls) laid the perfect foundation for Ireland’s imposing total of 303/6. His knock was the axis around which the innings revolved — a combination of classical strokeplay, sound temperament, and a mastery of pacing his innings.
Opening the innings, Balbirnie stitched together a solid 109-run partnership with captain Paul Stirling (54 off 64), whose aggression at the top helped Ireland seize early momentum. Stirling played with typical flair, finding the boundary regularly and clearing it twice, but it was Balbirnie who provided the adhesive in the innings, playing the long game against a probing Windies attack.
After Stirling’s departure, Harry Tector (56 off 51) added further impetus to the innings with a brisk half-century, his strike rate of 109.80 proving crucial in the acceleration phase. Brief but valuable cameos from Lorcan Tucker (30 off 18) and Thomas Mayes (8* off 5) ensured Ireland crossed the psychological 300-run mark, which would prove well beyond West Indies’ reach.
For the visitors, the bowling was a mixed bag. Matthew Forde (3/68) struck thrice but proved expensive. Alzarri Joseph (2/51) bowled with decent control, but support was lacking. The rest of the attack — especially Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves — failed to apply sustained pressure, leaking runs at critical junctures.
Chasing 304, West Indies were immediately on the back foot, succumbing to Barry McCarthy’s opening burst. The pacer ran riot with figures of 4/32, dismantling the top order in a spell that exposed West Indies’ technical frailties against lateral movement and sharp bounce. Within ten overs, the tourists found themselves tottering at 31 for 5, with the likes of Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Amir Jangoo all back in the hut.
A semblance of resistance came through Roston Chase (55 off 76) and Matthew Forde (38 off 48), who added 98 runs for the seventh wicket. Chase, in particular, showed application and determination, but the asking rate kept climbing, and with wickets falling at the other end, the effort proved insufficient.
Ireland’s bowlers kept the screws tightened. Thomas Mayes impressed with a tight spell (1/23 in 6 overs), while George Dockrell made quick inroads into the tail with 3/21 off just 2 overs. Josh Little and Liam McCarthy supported the attack with pace and variation, never allowing any meaningful West Indian resurgence.
The comprehensive win not only gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the series but also underscores their growing proficiency in home conditions. For the West Indies, it was a sobering reminder of their inconsistency, particularly in the batting department, and they will need a significant turnaround to stay competitive in the series.
As for Andy Balbirnie, his match-winning ton earned him the Player of the Match award, a richly deserved accolade for a captain’s knock that showcased calm under pressure and a flawless exhibition of ODI batting.
Ireland vs West Indies Scoreboard
Ireland – 303/6 (50.0)
West Indies – 179/10 (34.1)
Result – Ireland won by 124 runs
Player of the match – Andrew Balbirnie
Andrew Balbirnie
IRE vs WI Playing XIs
Ireland | Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Liam McCarthy, Cade Carmichael, Joshua Little, Thomas Mayes, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Andrew Balbirnie |
West Indies | Shai Hope (c & wk), Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Alzarri Joseph, Keacy Carty, Gudakesh Motie, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
Visit JeetBuzz News to access our Highlights that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Highlights updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
