Tri-series: Ireland beat West Indies by one run in DLS format

Ireland followed up Sunday’s win over Pakistan in the T20I tri-series by beating the West Indies for the first time in that format in a dramatic finish in Clontarf.

Home captain Orla Prendergast celebrated her birthday with an unbeaten last-ball 71 as an Ireland before rain intervened to ensure the hosts a one-run win on DLS fashion.

Prendergast took two wickets as the West Indies made 141-8 in their 20 overs, with Ireland’s 99-5 in 14.1 overs proving more than enough in reply.

After electing to bat first, West Indies lost three wickets in the opening powerplay, but recovered somewhat as Janelia Glasgow top-scored with a 26-ball 36.

Among the home bowlers, Ava Canning finished with figures of 2-11 and Prendergast 2-26.

Needing 142 runs to win, Ireland lost two wickets themselves in the first over but the contribution of player of the match Prendergast, hitting 46 balls, proved decisive.

The Irish skipper hit 11 fours and a six in a 50-minute masterclass, forming a 57-run stand with Rebecca Stoeckel (12) and then a 34-run stand with Louise Little (9*) to take the home side to their target.

As the rain began to fall, Ireland were still three runs behind at DLS and the umpires continued play to see another ball bowled.

Drove the bat through the light rain and flicked the ball past the keeper for four to see his side wave at the DLS target.

As the rain began to fall more heavily, the umpires fell silent and the players left the field and never returned.

Ireland take on Pakistan at the same venue on Thursday.