Ireland secure maiden T20I win against West Indies in 2026 thriller

Ireland defeated West Indies by a single run in a rain-affected T20I match using the DLS method.

Match outcome and celebration After triumphing over Pakistan the previous day, Ireland claimed their first-ever T20I victory against West Indies in a nail-biting finish at Clontarf. Home captain Orla Prendergast marked her birthday with an unbeaten 71 as Ireland secured a one-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The hosts needed four runs off the last ball when rain interrupted play, and an edge for four ensured their historic success. Prendergast’s performance marked her first half-century in international cricket. ## West Indies innings breakdown West Indies posted a total of 141 for eight in their 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Jannillea Glasgow top-scored with 36 off 26 deliveries, while Natasha Campbelle added 21. Ava Canning was the standout bowler for Ireland, finishing with figures of two wickets for 11 runs. Orla Prendergast also contributed two wickets, ending with 2-26 from her four overs. ## Ireland’s batting display Chasing 142, Ireland collapsed to two early wickets in the opening over, placing them under immediate pressure. Orla Prendergast anchored the innings with an unbeaten 71 off 46 balls, striking 11 fours and one six during her 50-minute stay at the crease. She shared a 57-run partnership with Rebecca Stokell, who made 12, and later added 34 with Louise Little, who scored nine not out. The partnership between Prendergast and Little became crucial as Ireland closed in on their target. ## Dramatic finish and rain intervention With rain beginning to fall as Ireland neared their target, the match’s outcome remained uncertain. The umpires elected to continue play to bowl one more delivery, with Ireland still three runs short on the DLS method. Louise Little then produced a crucial shot, guiding the ball past the wicketkeeper for four, securing the one-run victory. Shortly after, heavier rain forced the players off the field permanently, ending the contest in Clontarf. ## Next fixture details Ireland will return to action on Thursday at the same venue, facing Pakistan once again. The win marked their second consecutive success in the ongoing T20I Tri-Nations Series. The team now looks to build on this momentum ahead of their next match.