Ireland vs West Indies 2nd ODI Abandoned | Forde, Carty Star Before Dublin Rain

Rain Halts Thriller as Ireland vs West Indies 2nd ODI Ends in No Result

Summary
Rain played spoilsport in Dublin as the second ODI between Ireland and West Indies was abandoned.
Keacy Carty’s sublime 102 and Matthew Forde’s record-equalling 16-ball fifty powered West Indies to 352/8.
Ireland didn’t get to bat as heavy rain arrived right after the first innings concluded.
Liam McCarthy was the pick of the Irish bowlers, taking 3 wickets including Carty’s prized scalp.
The ODI series now hinges on the third and final match on Sunday at the same venue.

Forde’s Fireworks and Carty’s Class Overshadowed by Rain in Dublin ODI

The ever-unpredictable Irish weather returned with cruel timing on Friday as the second ODI between Ireland and West Indies was washed out at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin. After a spectacular display of power-hitting and composed batting by the visiting West Indies side, the match was frustratingly cut short due to persistent rainfall, denying Ireland a chance to chase down a formidable total of 352.

The washout means the three-match series remains open heading into the decider on Sunday, with Ireland leading 1-0.

Windies Batters Blaze to 352 Despite Early Setback

Ireland captain Paul Stirling, buoyed by his side’s convincing win in the first ODI, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision briefly paid off when Barry McCarthy dismissed Brandon King for 8, bringing early relief to the Irish camp. However, that was short-lived as the West Indies adopted a measured yet assertive approach to build their innings.

Keacy Carty, steady and unflappable, anchored the innings masterfully. His century, carved with smart strike rotation early and aggression later, came off 109 balls. He accelerated as the innings progressed, scoring his last 52 runs off just 42 deliveries. His effort gave the Windies a solid platform and highlighted his growing maturity at the international level.

Just as Carty was looking to finish strong, Liam McCarthy Ireland’s standout bowler induced a thin edge to remove him for 102. The wicket was met with visible celebration, especially after Carty had threatened to take the game away completely.

Forde’s Record-Equalling Blitz Leaves Ireland Stunned

What followed in the final six overs was sheer carnage. Matthew Forde, the 23-year-old Barbadian all-rounder playing his 10th ODI, unleashed one of the most brutal finishing assaults in recent memory. In just 16 balls, Forde smashed 58 runs, including eight sixes and two fours.

His half-century came in 16 deliveries, equalling the second-fastest fifty in ODI history. The power, timing, and audacity of his strokes were jaw-dropping. Forde’s innings not only provided the West Indies with a daunting final total of 352/8, but also sent a clear message to selectors and fans that he’s a future white-ball star in the making.

Irish Bowling Struggles as Windies Build Momentum

Ireland’s bowling unit, so impressive in the first ODI, found themselves on the receiving end this time. Liam McCarthy’s 3/66 was the highlight of the day for the home side, and he showed glimpses of his potential with intelligent changes of pace. Barry McCarthy (2/68) chipped in early, but the rest of the attack lacked bite in the middle and death overs.

The Windies built eight successive partnerships of over 20 runs, highlighting the consistency and intent throughout their batting order. From Shai Hope’s 49 to Greaves’ unbeaten 44, the Caribbean side displayed a balanced mix of aggression and stability.

Rain Dashes Ireland’s Chase, Frustrates Fans and Players

As the West Indies innings concluded, light rain began to fall what began as a drizzle quickly became a steady downpour. With the outfield covered and further rain forecast, hopes of any restart faded as time ticked by. At 5:20 PM, match officials officially called off the game, much to the disappointment of the capacity crowd and players who were gearing up for a high-octane chase.

The abandonment came as a blow to Ireland, who would have fancied their chances given recent form and home conditions. For the West Indies, the dominant batting performance offers renewed hope heading into the series decider.

Series Decider Set for Sunday as Stakes Rise in Dublin

The third and final ODI on Sunday (May 25) at Clontarf is now set up as a winner-takes-all contest. With the series poised at 1-0 in favour of Ireland, a win for the visitors would level the series 1-1. For Ireland, it is a chance to clinch a statement series win at home against a full-strength Caribbean side.

Weather permitting, fans can expect fireworks on both sides as Stirling’s Ireland and Hope’s Windies seek a strong finish.