After a resounding victory in the first Evara One-Day International Series, West Indies won the second match in a similar fashion, chasing down 241 for the loss of four wickets.
Ireland were put in to bat first once more by Hayley Matthews. Sarah Forbes (17) and Gaby Lewis (24) navigated the first powerplay well until both openers were dismissed by Deandra Dottin (2-17) in the space of three overs. After Orla Prendergast (9) became the third batter out, Amy Hunter (67) and Rebecca Stokell (57) built a record fourth-wicket partnership of 106. Ireland were 180-3 with 10 overs to go and looked well set to add heavily in the final phase before both were dismissed in quick succession to put Ireland on the back foot once more.
The home side added 81 in the last 10, thanks in large part to Leah Paul (32) and Alana Dalzell (17). The total of 241 was always going to be difficult to defend, and although there was an early breakthrough when Prendergast (1-39) had Realeanna Grimmond (0) caught behind, Hayley Matthews (100) played a captains’ knock with her second century in as many games, though she was dismissed before she could see the chase through alongside Stafanie Taylor (100*). Aimee Maguire (2-52) took a couple of late wickets but Shemaine Campbell (10*) showed her experience by supporting the well-set batter, Taylor, seeing West Indies home with six wickets in hand.
In the third and final game, Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to field and when Hayley Matthews was finally dismissed early by Prendergast (2-37), quickly followed by her opening partner Grimmond (14), Ireland felt they had an opening.
The fielders backed up the bowlers, and after a couple of run-outs effected by Aimee Maguire and then Sarah Forbes, West Indies found themselves in trouble at 48-4. The dangerous Stafanie Taylor, however, timed the innings and her own shots perfectly, shepherding the rest of the batting order to a decent total of 257. There were cameos from Jahzara Claxton (30) and Aaliyah Alleyne (33), but the mainstay was Taylor who brought up her second century of the series in the final over of the innings before finishing on 105, run out coming back for a second on the final ball.
In reply, Ireland lost Forbes (2) early, but Gaby Lewis (50) and Amy Hunter (30) looked well set before legspinner Afy Fletcher (3-33) dismissed both set batters in the 18th over. From there, Ireland lost regular wickets with Leah Paul (32) and Louise Little (23) offering some resistance in the middle order. The target proved too much, however, and Ireland made 193 all out in the 43rd over.
Taylor’s second century of the series proved decisive in the result and she was named player of the match for her efforts. Hayley Matthews received the player of the series award for her 265 runs and seven wickets, while West Indies earned six valuable points in the ICC Women’s Championship.
