Orla Prendergast’s Unbeaten 71 Leads Ireland Women to First T20I Win vs West Indies

Ireland Women produced a spirited performance to edge past West Indies Women by one run via the DLS method in the fourth match of the Ireland Tri-Nation Women’s T20I Series in Dublin on June 1, 2026. Despite rain reducing the chase and creating a revised target scenario, the hosts held their nerve in a dramatic finish. The contest featured important partnerships, a stunning captain’s knock from Orla Prendergast, and several impactful bowling performances that kept fans engaged throughout an entertaining Women’s T20I encounter.

Orla Prendergast's Unbeaten 71 Leads Ireland Women to First T20I Win vs West Indies
Orla Prendergast’s Unbeaten 71 Leads Ireland Women to First T20I Win vs West Indies; PC: Getty

After being asked to bat first, West Indies Women struggled to establish momentum as Ireland’s bowlers struck regularly in the powerplay. The visitors lost captain Hayley Matthews for just one run at 13/1 in the third over when Ava Canning claimed the breakthrough. Deandra Dottin looked aggressive during her 16-run knock from 16 balls, but she too departed at 21/2. Qiana Joseph briefly lifted the scoring rate with 12 from only seven deliveries, including a boundary and a six, yet her dismissal left West Indies at 33/3 after 4.3 overs. The early wickets ensured Ireland maintained control despite the batting-friendly conditions.

With the innings needing repair, Stefanie Taylor and Jahzara Claxton attempted to stabilize proceedings. Claxton contributed 11 runs from 13 balls before being run out at 49/4 in the ninth over. Taylor, however, suffered misfortune when she retired hurt on nine from 18 deliveries, leaving West Indies in a difficult position at 53/4. At that stage, Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack had restricted scoring opportunities and forced the Caribbean side onto the defensive.

The innings was revived through a valuable middle-order effort led by Shemaine Campbelle and Jannillea Glasgow. Campbelle struck 21 from 21 deliveries and added 48 runs for the fifth wicket alongside Glasgow, taking the score from 49 to 97. That partnership became the backbone of the innings. Glasgow then accelerated impressively, emerging as West Indies’ top scorer with 36 from 26 balls, including six boundaries at a strike rate of 138.46.

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After Campbelle departed at 97/5 in the 16th over, Aaliyah Alleyne managed six quick runs before falling at 115/6. Glasgow continued to attack and shared a productive 29-run stand with Zaida James, pushing the total beyond 120 before Glasgow was run out for a crucial knock. Zaida James contributed a brisk 14 from eight deliveries, while Shawnisha Hector remained unbeaten on seven and Karishma Ramharack finished not out on one. West Indies Women completed their 20 overs on 141/8, a score that looked competitive given the early setbacks.

Ireland’s bowlers delivered a collective performance. Ava Canning was outstanding, returning figures of 2/11 from four economical overs while removing Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph. Orla Prendergast continued her all-round influence with 2/26 from four overs, dismissing Aaliyah Alleyne and Zaida James. Lara McBride chipped in with 1/25, while Alana Dalzell claimed 1/33. Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray remained wicketless but maintained pressure through disciplined spells, and the Irish fielders contributed significantly with three run-outs that proved vital in restricting the final total.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 99 from 14.1 overs after rain interruptions, Ireland’s pursuit began poorly. Alana Dalzell was dismissed without scoring at 1/1, and Arlene Kelly followed shortly for one, leaving Ireland in trouble at 2/2 after only four deliveries. Rebecca Stokell and captain Orla Prendergast steadied the innings with a crucial 58-run partnership for the third wicket. Stokell contributed 12 from 20 balls before falling at 60/3 in the ninth over, but the stand had shifted the momentum firmly toward Ireland.

Prendergast then took complete control of the chase with one of the finest innings of the tournament. The Irish skipper played with authority and composure, finding boundaries regularly while rotating strike effectively. She first added a brief partnership with Leah Paul before Paul departed for one at 61/4. Alice Tector scored three before being run out at 65/5, briefly giving West Indies renewed hope. However, Prendergast remained unfazed and found support from Louise Little.

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The pair guided Ireland through the closing stages with an unbeaten 34-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Little contributed a calm nine not out from eight deliveries, while Prendergast finished unbeaten on a magnificent 71 from just 46 balls, striking 11 fours and a six at a strike rate of 154.34. Ireland reached 99/5 in 14.1 overs, securing a thrilling one-run victory on the DLS method.

West Indies’ bowlers fought hard to defend their total. Shawnisha Hector impressed with 2/21 from two overs, removing both Dalzell and Kelly during the early collapse. Hayley Matthews delivered an economical spell of 1/15 from three overs and claimed the wicket of Leah Paul. Qiana Joseph also took 1/17 in four overs, dismissing Rebecca Stokell at a crucial stage. Zaida James bowled tightly for figures of 0/10 from two overs, while Karishma Ramharack conceded 21 runs in her two overs. Jahzara Claxton bowled only 1.1 overs but could not prevent Ireland’s late charge.

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