West Indies Crush Ireland by 62 Runs in Record-Smashing 3rd T20I | Series Win Secured 1-0
In an electrifying finale to the T20I series, West Indies thrashed Ireland by 62 runs in the 3rd and final T20I held on June 16, 2025. The hosts posted a mammoth total of 256/5 , their second-highest ever in T20 internationals, before restricting Ireland to 194/7 in their 20 overs. This emphatic win secured the series 1-0 for the Windies after the first two games were washed out by rain.
The match was played at the iconic Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, where the flat and fast Caribbean pitch offered a batting paradise. Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first, but the decision backfired as West Indies unleashed a brutal batting display that left the visitors struggling to keep up.
West Indies Batting Blitz: 256/5 in 20 Overs
The West Indies innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and aggressive strokeplay. Opening the innings, Johnson Charles set the tone with a blistering 84 runs off just 36 balls, smashing 9 sixes and 5 boundaries. His explosive start gave the Windies the momentum they needed to pile on the runs.
Following Charles, Nicholas Pooran continued the assault with a rapid 67 off 32 balls, maintaining a strike rate of over 200 and clearing the boundary with ease. Captain Rovman Powell finished the innings with a quickfire 45* off 18 balls, hitting 4 sixes in the death overs to push the total to a record 256/5.
Together, these three batsmen forged a record partnership of over 200 runs, with a staggering 19 sixes hit during the innings — a new West Indies T20 record. Their combined firepower sent a clear message to the cricketing world about the Windies' batting depth and prowess.
Ireland’s Bowling Struggles
Ireland’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the West Indies onslaught. Despite early intent, they struggled to maintain consistent lengths and were punished severely by the Caribbean batsmen. Mark Adair bowled 4 overs conceding 55 runs for 1 wicket, while Barry McCarthy managed 2 wickets but leaked 52 runs in his 4 overs.
The lack of control and precision in the bowling attack allowed the Windies to dominate the innings and set a daunting target for Ireland.
Ireland's Chase: 194/7 in 20 Overs
Chasing a record total, Ireland needed a near-flawless batting performance but fell short despite some resistance. Harry Tector top-scored with a gritty 58 off 39 balls, anchoring the innings during the middle overs. Lorcan Tucker provided an early spark with 43 runs off 28 balls but couldn’t sustain the momentum.
The required run rate proved too steep, and regular wickets fell at crucial moments. West Indies bowlers kept the pressure on with tight lines and smart variations, ensuring Ireland never got close to the target.
West Indies Bowling: All-Round Excellence
The Windies bowling attack complemented their batting performance with disciplined and effective spells. Romario Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs in his 4 overs, breaking key partnerships in the middle overs. Akeal Hosein bowled economically, picking up 1 wicket for 24 runs and applying pressure with his spin.
The combination of pace variations and spin control ensured Ireland was never truly in the game, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts.
Player of the Match: Johnson Charles
For his explosive 84-run knock, Johnson Charles was deservedly named Player of the Match. His innings laid the foundation for the Windies’ monumental total and set the tone for the entire match.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 256/5 | 20 |
| Ireland | 194/7 | 20 |
Result: West Indies won by 62 runs
Series Result: West Indies won the 3-match series 1-0
What This Win Means for West Indies
- Momentum Builder: This victory provides crucial momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup later this year.
- Batting Depth Displayed: The form of Charles, Pooran, and Powell shows the Windies' deep batting resources.
- Bowling Consistency: Effective spells from Shepherd and Hosein underline the team’s balance and versatility.
Related Links
Also Read
Final Thoughts: West Indies are Back in Business
The Windies, with their trademark flair and firepower, reminded the cricketing world of their T20 prowess. This series win not only boosts their confidence but also reignites fan hopes for a deep run in upcoming ICC tournaments. With a balanced team showing strength in both batting and bowling, West Indies look poised to challenge the best in the world.
