A maiden T20 international half-century from Mary Waldron enough to deny the West Indies a 3-0 series victory in the Hanley Energy T20I Series at Pembroke Cricket Club.
Waldron, and another eye-catching batting performance from stand-in captain Kim Garth, meant the Irish took the battle to the visitors, but ultimately they were unable to deny a clean sweep.
After winning the toss, Ireland captain Kim Garth elected to bowl first, but conditions did not play into Ireland’s favour as an anticipated seamers wicket turned out to be a batters paradise.
Led by the Player of the Series Hayley Matthews, the West Indies posted their highest T20 international total of 188-1 from their 20 overs. Matthews hit her maiden T20I century, finishing on 107* from 62 balls – an innings that featured 9 sixes and 7 fours. She was ably supported by Chedean Nation who hit 63* from 46 balls.
With a number of minor breaks in play due to rain showers, the Irish bowlers at times seemed to struggle with a greasy ball, with only Sophie MacMahon taking a wicket – an excellent catch by wicket-keeper Mary Waldron off an under-edge.
In response, the Irish lost Gaby Lewis early for 8, but Waldron (55*) and Garth (45) put on a 94-run stand, the highest second-wicket partnership for Ireland Women in T20Is.
Garth holed out from the first ball of the last over, and a wicket off the last ball meant Ireland finished on 116-3 from their 20 overs.
The team captain had an exceptional series with the bat registering 46, 51* and 45 from her three innings.
After a break in international matches for June, Ireland Women will be back in action against Zimbabwe in July.
