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Bready – In a game where both sides were neck and neck, the home side edged the West Indies Academy side by just one wicket.

For the second time in two days Emerging Ireland won the toss, bowled first and claimed two early wickets, this time care of Liam McCarthy.

West Indies Academy showcased a wide range of attacking shots at Eglinton yet went slower in this match to attack in the final part of their innings.

Emerging Ireland’s spinners again proved a threat in keeping middle overs quiet and chipping away with wickets.

The crowd at Bready crowd enjoyed sunshine with the fixture moved a day forward to beat unfavourable conditions predicted for Thursday.  

They were also treated to a remarkable hundred from Jewel Andrew who provided the bedrock of the West Indies Academy innings.

Emerging Ireland had chased 225 the day before at Eglinton but on a different pitch with different dimensions and now a higher total.

There was an early setback with Jake Egan falling to Nyeem Young. From there Emerging Ireland slowly built around Chris De Freitas (84) and Morgan Topping (53).

The West Indies Academy bowlers were still able to drive up the required rate and prize out regular wickets to halt any progress.

However two key details would play a role in the outcome. First the touring side fell behind the required match overrate and had to defend at the end with one less boundary fielder.

Then Ramon Simmonds who had bowled well throughout could not complete the penultimate over in the match due to injury with Jewel Andrew bowling the three deliveries left.

Matt Humphries batting with Ollie Riley as Emerging Ireland’s last pair saw momentum to be seized hitting 26 from 7 deliveries to clinch the victory.

It was a remarkable 2-0 win in the 50-over series, in contrast to the 1-2 series loss when the two sides met last year in the Caribbean.

But the dramatic finish was testament to the intensity and skill put into the series by both sets of players throughout.

Emerging Ireland and West Indies meet again in the final 50-over match in Bready on 14 June, then in two 4-day games starting 18 June in North Down and 25 June in Stormont.

MATCH SUMMARY

Emerging Ireland vs West Indies Academy, Bready — 12 June 2024

West Indies Academy 278-8 (50 overs; Jewel Andrew 143, Nyeem Young 54; Liam McCarthy 3-80, Tom Mayes 2-61) 

Emerging Ireland 282-9 (49.5 overs; Chris De Freitas 84, Morgan Topping 53; Johann Layne 3-55, Ramon Simmonds 2-50)

Emerging Ireland win by one wicket with one ball to left