WIW vs IREW Highlights | West Indies Women Edge Past Brave Ireland Women by 6 Runs | ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025

Heartbreak in the Caribbean: Ireland Women Fall Short in a Nail-Biter Against West Indies in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025

Summary

In what turned out to be a dramatic and emotional game at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, the Ireland Women’s cricket team displayed tremendous grit and heart but ultimately fell just six runs short of a famous victory against the West Indies Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. In a contest dominated by swinging fortunes, West Indies Women held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a narrow win. This encounter highlighted the growing spirit of Irish cricket on the global stage, despite the heartbreak of coming up short.

Scorecard

West Indies Women – 181/6 (33 Overs)
Stafanie Taylor – 46 (56)
Chinelle Henry – 46* (36)
Jane Maguire – 3/35

Ireland Women – 175 All Out (32.2 Overs)
Orla Prendergast – 1/24
Jane Maguire – 3/35
Cara Murray – 1/35

Result: West Indies Women won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Chinelle Henry

Ireland’s Brave Fight Ends in Agony Against West Indies Women

There are matches in cricket that go beyond numbers, that tell stories of courage, heartbreak, and unyielding spirit and this was one of them. The ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 clash between Ireland Women and West Indies Women became an instant classic, showcasing everything cricket fans love about the sport.

Chasing a target of 182 runs in a 33-over per side contest, Ireland Women fought tooth and nail against a disciplined West Indies bowling attack but fell agonizingly short by just six runs. It was a performance full of heart, and while the result didn't go their way, Ireland's players left the field with heads held high.

West Indies Women Lay the Foundation with Steady Batting

Batting first after Ireland Women won the toss, West Indies Women had a shaky start. Hayley Matthews, their star all-rounder, departed early, brilliantly caught and bowled by Orla Prendergast. But it was the experienced pairing of Stafanie Taylor and Zaida James who steadied the innings.

Taylor's composed 46 off 56 balls and James' supportive 36 created a platform, but it was Chinelle Henry's late assault that made the ultimate difference. Her unbeaten 46 off 36 balls provided West Indies Women with a competitive 181 runs on the board a total that seemed slightly above par considering the pressure of a world cup qualifier.

Ireland's bowlers were outstanding, with Jane Maguire standing out yet again, grabbing three crucial wickets. Prendergast and Cara Murray also kept things tight, making West Indies work hard for every run.

Ireland’s Run Chase: A Tale of Grit, Partnerships and Missed Opportunities

Chasing 182 under pressure is never easy, especially against a well-drilled West Indies attack. Ireland Women started their innings with intent but lost early wickets. The middle order, however, showed remarkable character. Consistent partnerships kept the hope alive, and Ireland never seemed completely out of the game.

Unfortunately, frequent dismissals at crucial junctures hurt their chase. While several batters got starts, none managed to anchor the innings deep enough. The late charge gave fans hope, but in the end, it was a bridge too far.

Ireland Women were bowled out for 175 in 32.2 overs, just seven runs short of a famous victory.

Chinelle Henry’s All-Round Brilliance Seals It for West Indies

If there was one player who defined this match, it was Chinelle Henry. With her unbeaten 46 powering West Indies to a defendable total and her steady contribution in the field, she deservedly earned the Player of the Match award.

Henry’s calm approach at the death, coupled with her ability to find the gaps and keep the scoreboard moving, made all the difference.

Ireland Women’s Courageous Fight Signals Bright Future

Despite the heartbreak, Ireland Women emerged with immense credit. Their ability to push a historically stronger West Indies side to the brink speaks volumes of their growth and talent development.

Captain Gaby Lewis and coach Ed Joyce will undoubtedly take many positives from this performance, particularly the fight shown by young bowlers like Jane Maguire and the composure of the middle-order batters.

This match could well be the catalyst that inspires Ireland Women to further success in future tournaments.