Matthew Forde, a 24-year-old Barbadian cricketer, is a dominant force in the West Indies team as an all-rounder known for his pace bowling and explosive batting.
Matthew Forde is a fast-bowling all-rounder from Barbados who has established himself as a key player for the West Indies through his fearless style of cricket. At just 24 years old, this West Indies cricketer has made a strong impact in pressure situations, debuting in international matches in 2023 and continuing to deliver impressive performances. His aggressive playing style, self-assured attitude, and unwavering competitive spirit earned him a spot in the West Indies squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. Forde’s right-arm fast-medium bowling delivers noticeable pace and unpredictable movement on the pitch, while his lower-order batting adds crucial quick runs for the team during critical final overs. Across multiple formats, Forde made history in May 2025 by breaking the record for the fastest ODI fifty, previously held by legendary South African batsman AB De Villiers, scoring 58 runs in just 19 deliveries against Ireland. Barbados has long been a breeding ground for powerful hitters, and Forde is now continuing that tradition, adding his name to the list of hard-hitting talents from the island. His journey began in local and domestic cricket, where his raw ability and fearless approach stood out early. Coaches quickly recognized his talent for swinging the ball both directions and his bold batting approach. What started as potential in youth cricket rapidly transformed into performances too significant to ignore, earning the attention of national selectors. By his early twenties, consistent displays in Caribbean domestic cricket secured his place in the national team. His rise is rooted in steady, high-quality performances that proved he possessed both the temperament and technical skill required at the highest level of the game. Matthew Forde is a dynamic all-rounder representing the West Indies cricket team. All images included are for editorial use only. Licensed exclusively through Getty/Source.