Ireland, West Indies eye redemption

LAHORE: With both sides desperate to bounce back from opening-round defeats, Ireland will lock horns with West Indies in a crucial fifth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday (today).

Having stumbled in their respective first outings, this fixture now carries extra weight for both teams. A second consecutive defeat could significantly hamper their chances of advancing to the next round.

Ireland were outplayed by hosts Pakistan, falling short by 30 runs despite a promising bowling display. Jane Maguire stood out with the ball, claiming 3 for 33, while Orla Prendergast top-scored with a steady 37.

However, the rest of the batting unit failed to capitalize on a decent start, collapsing under scoreboard pressure. West Indies, on the other hand, suffered a shock defeat to Scotland in a high-scoring encounter. Hayley Matthews played a lone hand, producing an unbeaten 114, but lack of support from the middle and lower order saw them fall short by 11 runs.

With a strong head-to-head record — the Caribbean side has won all eight ODIs against Ireland since 2003 — West Indies Women will go into the match with psychological advantage. However, concerns remain over their overreliance on Matthews, whose form is critical to the team’s prospects.

Hayley Matthews (West Indies), the captain and star batter is in red-hot form with the bat. Her century in the previous game kept West Indies in the hunt right till the end. West Indies standout bowler with 4 for 56, Aaliyah Alleyne’s ability to break partnerships will be key. Jane Maguire of Ireland has disciplined performance against Pakistan saw her finish with figures of 3/33.

She’ll be central to Ireland’s hopes again. Orla Prendergast us considered a dependable all-rounder who will need more support from her teammates to mount a competitive challenge. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is expected to be true, with good carry and bounce for the batters.

The average first-innings score over the last five women’s ODIs at Lahore hovers around 235 runs. Conditions are forecast to be sunny and hot, with no threat of rain. Both teams are in dire need of a win, but the West Indies possess more firepower and experience in pressure situations.

Ireland will rely on their disciplined bowling and a solid start from the top order to challenge the Caribbean outfit. Unless Ireland’s middle order finds form and the bowlers repeat their opening-game heroics, the West Indies are tipped to bounce back with a win. That said, if Matthews fails to fire, Ireland could very well spring another upset in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.