Ireland claim historic ODI series win over West Indies
Ireland claimed a 2-1 series win over West Indies after winning the third ODI at Sabina Park, Kingston. The visitors chased down 213 after bowling out the Caribbeans in just 44.4 overs. Andy McBrine and Harry Tector scored half-centuries for Ireland in the run-chase. Ireland have won their first-ever bilateral ODI series against a Test-playing nation (other than Zimbabwe and Afghanistan).
WI openers Openers Shai Hope and Justin Greaves shared a 72-run stand are Ireland elected to field. The hosts faced a batting collapse thereafter. They clawed their way to 212. Andy McBrine took four wickets for Ireland. Paul Stirling, McBrine, and Tector laid the foundation of Ireland's win. Although Ireland lost eight wickets, they completed the run-chase in 44.5 overs.
Ireland have won their first bilateral ODI series against a Test-playing nation (other than Zimbabwe and Afghanistan). They lost the series opener by 24 runs. Ireland bounced back in the second ODI (won by 5 wickets) that was rescheduled due to COVID-19.
McBrine was adjudged the Player of the Series. He took four wickets and later scored a phenomenal 59 (100) in the third ODI. The top-order batter finished with 128 runs in three games at an average of 64.00. McBrine, who bowls off-spin, took 10 wickets in the series (highest) at an incredible average of 11.60. The tally includes two four-wicket hauls.
Middle-order batter Harry Tector also smashed a resounding half-century, his seventh in ODI cricket. He scored 52 off 76 deliveries with the help of 3 fours. Tector finished as the leading run-scorer of the series. He racked up 159 runs from three ODIs at a remarkable average of 79.50. Tector now has 670 runs in 20 ODIs at an average of 41.87.
Roston Chase emerged as the pick of West Indies' bowlers as the hosts attempted to defend 212. He took three wickets for 44 runs. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein also took three wickets for 59 runs. Alzarri Joseph and Odean Smith took a wicket apiece.
