1st T20I, St George's, January 15, 2020, 10:30 PM
Ireland
208/7(20.0ov)
West Indies
204/7(20.0ov)
Ireland beat West Indies by 4 runs
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Paul Stirling
Commentry
Right then, a run-fest comes to a close. Paul Stirling set the stage on fire with his remarkable knock and powered Ireland to a total which eventually proved to be enough to edge out the home team. The action now shifts to St Kitts where both the remaining T20Is of this series will be played. The first one is on 18th January at 1800 local (2200 GMT). Do join us for the coverage. Cheers!
Man of the Match, Paul Stirling, says it was a really good pitch and they put up a good score and they felt they were in the game throughout. Further adds the Windies were up with the rate all the time, it was touch and go throughout and they enjoyed the game and is happy to get over the line. Also says, you have different mindsets in a T20 game as there is more freedom in this format. Ends by saying they needed to keep taking wickets, it is a daunting task watching those big men come in but they tried to take wickets at regular basis.
Let's talk about the last 4 overs of the run chase. It was pulsating. With 45 needed off 24 balls, Ireland started to gain control. They even went on to get a firm grip once George Dockrell bowled a 2-run 17th over, making the required equation - 43 off 18 balls. Just when we thought that Ireland will dictate terms, Nicholas Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford smashes Barry McCarthy for 27 runs in an over to nearly put the chase to bed. 16 off 2 overs is pretty straightforward to achieve in this format but West Indies somehow managed to threw it away. Craig Young came up with a superb penultimate over where he removed Pooran and gave away only 3 runs. 9 out of 10 times, a team will score 13 runs in the final over with Dwayne Bravo and Sherfane Rutherford in the middle. But that didn't happen this time around. Joshua Little kept his calm and bowled a pinpoint last over to take Ireland over the line.
It was a see-saw battle in literal sense! The pendulum kept swinging from one side to the another and there was never a moment that a team entirely felt in control. Chasing 209 was never going to be easy but given the firepower that West Indies possessed in their batting attack, the run chase was always on. They initiated decently in the Powerplay, not going hammer and tongs like the Irishmen and laid the foundation. Evin Lewis once again looked in supreme touch but once he got out, Ireland started to grow in the match. However, Kieron Pollard and Shimron Hetmyer's counter-punch kept the visitors on the edge of their seats.
What a nail-biter! Ufff...that went right down to the wire and eventually Ireland managed to hang onto this match by the skin of their teeth. They needed this win after getting thumped in the ODI series.
19.6
.
A swing and a miss! IRELAND HAVE WON THE FIRST GAME OF THE SERIES! It is a full ball outside off, Walsh looks to heave it over the leg side but misses. Pin-drop silence here in the stadium and rightly so, their team has lost by 4 runs!
Khary Pierre walks in for the final ball of the game. Hayden Walsh to face the final ball.
19.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Bravo gone and Ireland are ecstatic. They are on the verge of upsetting a top team in the international arena. Good length ball on off, Bravo looks to heave it away to the leg side but it takes the top edge and goes towards deep mid-wicket. Gareth Delany comes under it and takes a simple catch. 5 required from the final ball.
19.4
.
Good length ball down the leg side, Bravo looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls to the leg side. Walsh wants the single but Bravo sends him back.
19.3
2
Two taken! Excellent running! That was a run out though had the bowler collected it, pressure though gets the better of him. It is full and on middle, this is hit down to long on. They taken one and then go for the second. The fielder fires it to the bowler who fails to collect it.
19.2
6
SIX! Bravo using all his experience. Brilliant! Good length ball on off, Bravo hammers it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.
Hayden Walsh is in at no. 8. He will be at the non-striker's end though.
19.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Is that the end of the game? Rutherford gone and Little has done the trick. Good length ball on off, Rutherford looks to hammer it over the long on fielder for a biggie but does not time it well. It goes towards long on and Dockrell settles himself under it. He takes a simple catch and West Indies are in trouble. 13 needed from 5 balls.
Joshua Little to bowl the final over of the game. 12 for him to defend.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
0W
1
Craig Young 31/2(4)
18.6
1
Excellent nut to end with from Young. Just three runs from it and a wicket. Full delivery outside off, Rutherford drives it down to long off for a single. 13 required from the last over. Who will take the game away? Will it be the hosts or will it be the Irishmen?
18.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Bravo pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
18.4
.
Finds the fielder again. Good length delivery on off, Bravo drives only to find the cover fielder.
18.3
.
The fielders are nice and close! A single saved there! Fuller and around off, this is driven to the man at covers.
Dwayne Bravo replaces Pooran out in the middle. He was brilliant with the ball. Can he finish off well with the bat as well?
18.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Is there another twist in this game now? A short delivery around the body, Pooran pulls it but hits it flat, it goes towards deep square leg where Delany takes a nice catch. Pooran gone, 15 needed in 10 with a new batter on strike, Ireland have a sniff here.
18.1
1
Leading edge but safe! A low full toss on the pads, Rutherford looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat a touch early. It goes off the leading edge towards mid off for a run.
Craig Young to bowl the penultimate over of the game. 3-0-28-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
4
6
4
1
6
6
Barry McCarthy 55/0(4)
17.6
4
FOUR! That is an innocuous delivery and it has been put away with disdain. A full toss outside off, Pooran drives it through the point region. The fielder chases after it from deep cover and dives but fails to stop it. What an over for West Indies! 27 runs coming off it and the required equation is quite simple now - 16 needed off 12 balls.
17.5
6
SIX! Thrashed! This over has turned things again in the favour of the hosts. Full delivery on middle, Pooran hammers it over the bowler's head for a maximum.
17.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery outside off, Pooran prods forward and lifts it over the cover fielder for a boundary. The fielder comes across but fails to cut it off.
17.3
1
Just evades the fielder! Full delivery outside off, Rutherford drives it uppishly but it is just wide of the cover fielder and the ball goes to the deep. The batters take a single.
17.2
6
SIX! Colossal! And let me tell you, he has hit it with one hand. Just shows the power of this guy. WOW! It is slightly short and outside off, Rutherford drags it, his one hand comes off the handle but it still goes over the mid-wicket fence. 12 from the first two balls. The game is back in the Windies' favor.
17.1
6
SIX! That releases the pressure somewhat! A six from the first ball. 37 needed in 17 now. Barry misses the yorker by a little. It ends up being a in the slot delivery. Rutherford lofts it over the long off fence.
Barry McCarthy returns now. 3-0-28-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
George Dockrell 51/1(4)
16.6
.
Three plays and misses in a row! Floated ball outside off, Pooran looks to drive again but fails to connect. A brilliant over comes to an end from George Dockrell. Just two runs have come from it. 43 more required from the last three overs.
16.5
.
Excellent bowling from Dockrell! Very full delivery outside off, Pooran moves to the off side again and then attempts to drive it through covers. He fails to get any bat on it though.
16.4
.
BEATEN! Quicker delivery outside off, Pooran moves to the off side to play it through the line but misses.
16.3
1
Floated ball outside off, Sherfane pushes it down to long off for a single.
16.2
.
Yorker! It is bowled outside off, Rutherford looks to dig it out but misses it.
16.1
1
Flighted ball outside off, Pooran drives it to long off for a single.
George Dockrell is back into the attack! A big gamble this, two left-handers and on comes the left-arm spinner. This over could probably decide the match.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
6
Craig Young 28/1(3)
15.6
1
On middle and leg, Pooran whips it to the leg side for a single. 45 more needed in 24 balls.
15.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Rutherford whips it to the deep square leg region for a single.
15.4
1
Very full delivery on middle, Pooran works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
15.3
.
Slower delivery outside off, Pooran looks to drive but misses to get any bat on it.
15.2
1
Short delivery on middle, Rutherford pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
15.1
6
SIX! Poor delivery and rightly put away! Short delivery down the leg side, Rutherford just helps it on its way over the backward square leg region for a biggie.
Craig Young returns. 2-0-18-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0W
0
Simi Singh 36/1(4)
14.6
1
Flatter delivery outside off, Rutherford punches it down to long off for a single. Just 4 runs and wicket from the over. A brilliant one for Ireland.
14.5
1
Floated on off, Pooran pushes it to deep cover for a single.
14.4
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total.
14.3
1
Flatter one outside off, Pooran cuts it to the deep point fielder for a single.
Sherfane Rutherford joins Nicholas Pooran out in the middle.
14.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Yes, Singh has managed to strike and it's the wicket of the big fish. A leg break delivery, that too from an off spinner. It is bowled on middle and leg, on the shorter side, Pollard looks to hammer it straight down the ground but it is not hit properly. It goes to wide of the long on fielder. Dockrell comes across, slides and takes it, losing his cap in the process. 59 required from 34 balls. Can the Irishmen win it from here?
14.1
.
Flatter one on middle, Pollard plays it back to the bowler.
Simi Singh to bowl out. 3-0-32-0 are his numbers so far. Can he strike at least once in his final over?
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
4
1
Joshua Little 21/1(3)
13.6
.
Ends it brilliantly! 4 dots in a row. Just the five from it. Shorter and outside off, it is guided to point.
13.5
.
Three dots in a row! One more slower short ball outside off, Pooran is early in the pull shot and he misses. So this has been a good over so far. He needs to end it well.
13.4
.
Ouch! That must have hurt! A good slower one on off, it is behind a length. Pooran goes down one one knee and looks to slog but misses to get hit on the body. The bowler appeals but nothing from the umpire.
13.3
.
Pitches it a little ahead this time and it skids through. Pooran keeps it out.
13.2
4
FOUR! That bursts through the hands of the fielder! It was hit so hard. 150 up for West Indies. Shorter and on the body, Pooran powers it through backward square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and dives but the ball goes through his hands and finds the boundary.
13.1
1
A slower one outside off, Pollard waits for it and guides it through point for one.
Joshua Little is back on. 2-0-16-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
1
6
6
1
1
1
2wd
1wd
George Dockrell 49/1(3)
12.6
1
Full toss on middle, Pollard plays it towards long on for a single. 19 from the over and West Indies are on the charge!
12.5
6
SIX! Back-to-back biggies for Pollard and he has raced to 29 off just 11 balls. Floated ball outside off, Pollard lunges and thrashes it over the long off fielder for another maximum. The required rate goes below 10 now.
12.4
6
SIX! Walloped! That went way into the stands. Cannot bowl that length to Pollard. Floated on off, right in the arc, Pollard hammers it over the long on region for a biggie.
12.3
1
Floated on middle, Pooran comes down the track and flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
12.2
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.
12.1
1
Short one outside off, Pooran punches it to covers and takes a single.
12.1
2wd
WIDE! Another one! Fullish delivery way outside off, Pollard looks to drive but misses. The keeper too fails to collect, allowing the batters to steal a bye.
12.1
1wd
WIDE! This is not good bowling! Flatter one way outside off, Pollard leaves it alone. Wided by the umpire.
In over# 1
1
4
6
1
0
0
Simi Singh 32/0(3)
11.6
1
On middle, this time Pollard just works it towards square leg for a single. 12 from the over, another decent one for the Windies. 83 more needed in 48 balls.
11.5
4
FOUR! That went like a bullet! Simi loops this one full and around off, Pollard just drills it down the ground. Simi gets down and tries to field but the ball sneaks through and goes to the long off fence.
11.4
6
SIX! Slammed over! A poor ball from Simi. It is short and around off. Pollard is not going to miss out. He goes on the back foot and sends is sailing over deep mid-wicket for a massive biggie.
11.3
1
Fires it on the pads, Pooran pushes it towards long on for a single to get off the mark.
11.2
.
Another dot ball. It is again on middle and a quicker one. Pooran can only push it back to the bowler.
11.1
.
Floats a quicker one on middle, Pooran pushes it back to the bowler.
Nicholas Pooran is the new man in for West Indies. Simi Singh returns with the ball. 2-0-20-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
0
6
1
George Dockrell 30/1(2)
10.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! This time it carries to Balbirnie. Dockrell redeems himself as well. Tossed up ball outside off, Hetmyer looks to power it over long off but fails to get the elevation and distance on it. It goes towards long off where Balbirnie, the Ireland skipper, runs a little ahead and dives to take a good catch, just inches above the ground.
10.5
1
The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single.
10.4
1
Just short! Almost! Flighted one outside off, Hetmyer lunges and then tries to lift it over long off but does not get the required distance on it. Balbirnie attempts to catch it by leaning forward but it drops in front of him.
10.3
.
Floated on middle, Hetmyer plays it back to the bowler.
10.2
6
SIX! Powerfully hit! Dockrell is being taken apart. Full delivery outside off, Lewis hammers it over the long off region for a biggie.
10.1
1
Flatter delivery on middle, Pollard works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
George Dockrell returns. 1-0-21-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1lb
1wd
1
0
6
1
2
Barry McCarthy 28/0(3)
9.6
1lb
On a length ball on the pads, Pollard looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to square leg and the batters manage to take a leg bye. 105/2 at the halfway mark are the Windies. 104 more needed in the final 10 overs.
9.6
1wd
WIDE! BOUNCER! It is bowled down the leg side, Pollard lets it go to the keeper. Wide signaled.
9.5
1
On off, pushed to deep point for another run.
9.4
.
Length ball on off, Hetmyer pushes it to the cover fielder.
9.3
6
SIX! Brilliant! Hetmyer is known for these kinds of shots. Full delivery on off, Hetmyer hammers it over the long on region for a biggie. 100 up for the hosts, still needing 107 runs from 63 balls.
9.2
1
Back of a length ball on off, Pollard punches it down to long off for a single.
9.1
2
Good length ball on middle, Pollard works it to deep square leg and picks up a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.
Skipper Kieron Pollard replaces Evin Lewis out in the middle. He has promoted himself in the batting order, maybe to stay with Hetmyer and get the best out of him. Barry McCarthy is back on now. 2-0-17-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0W
1
0
1
1
1
Craig Young 18/1(2)
8.6
W
OUT! In the air... and another good catch by an Ireland player! This time it is Tector! Lewis is out of here shortly after getting to his fifty. A much-needed wicket for the visitors as the second wicket partnership was going along really well. It is a length ball around off, Lewis looks to go over covers but ends up slicing it towards the man in the deep. Tector there runs to his left, dives and takes it nicely. 116 needed in 66 balls.
8.5
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
8.4
.
NOT OUT! It indeed is pitching outside leg. Ireland lose their review. It was more in hope I believe, they are desperate for a wicket and probably that was the reason they took it. It hits the pad of Hetmyer as he tries to flick. A huge appeal by the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. The Irish skipper signals the 'T'. Time for the replays and it shows the on-field call is the right one.
A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down. The Ireland skipper reviews. Seems to be pitching outside leg.
8.3
1
Another good delivery! Fuller in length and around middle, not giving the batter room to free his arms. Lewis pushes it towards covers and takes one.
8.2
1
Slightly shorter and on middle, Hetmyer works it through mid-wicket for one.
8.1
1
On middle, Lewis pushes it wide of the fielder at covers and takes one.
Craig Young returns. 1-0-14-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1wd
6
6
1
6
George Dockrell 21/0(1)
7.6
1
Floated on middle, Lewis looks to drive but it goes off the inside edge of his bat and rolls towards mid-wicket. The batters manage to take a single. 21 runs have come from Dockrell's first over.
7.5
.
The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
7.5
1wd
WIDE! Flatter one outside off, Lewis shoulders arms and the umpire signals it a wide.
7.4
6
SIX! Another one! Dockrell is not having a good start to this innings. Flatter one outside off, Lewis lunges and hammers it over the long off region for a biggie. 50 up for Lewis, his 6th in T20Is. Continues his great run against the Irishmen.
7.3
6
SIX! Short delivery on middle, Lewis rocks on his back foot and pulls it with disdain over the deep mid-wicket region for a maximum. This is probably the wrong end for Dockrell as there is a strong wind blowing towards that side.
7.2
1
Flatter one outside off, Hetmyer cuts it to deep point for a single.
7.1
6
SIX! Welcome into the attack, Mr. Dockrell, says Hetmyer! Floated ball on middle, Hetmyer bends on his knee and slog sweeps it over the deep square leg region for a biggie.
George Dockrell is on now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1lb
0
1
Barry McCarthy 17/0(2)
6.6
1
On a length on middle, Hetmyer works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. A 5-run over by Barry!
6.5
1
Full delivery outside off, Lewis drives it to the deep cover region for a single.
6.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Hetmyer works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
6.3
1lb
Slower length ball down the leg side, Lewis looks to paddle but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls wide of the keeper and the batters steal a leg bye.
6.2
.
On off, Lewis lunges and pushes it to the cover fielder.
6.1
1
Slower delivery on the pads, Hetmyer flicks it to deep square leg and picks up a run.
Barry McCarthy is back on. 1-0-13-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
4
1
Joshua Little 16/1(2)
5.6
.
Short delivery on off, Lewis pushes it to point. Just 7 from the last over of the Powerplay, Windies are 63/1, 30 runs behind Ireland at this stage.
5.5
1
Short delivery on middle, Hetmyer pulls it wide of mid on and takes a single.
5.4
.
On a length on off, Hetmyer pushes it down to mid off.
5.3
1
Back of a length ball on off, Lewis guides it to point and crosses over for a single.
5.2
4
FOUR! Cannot bowl there! Lewis loves playing that shot. Short of a length delivery on off, Lewis camps back and pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
5.1
1
Short ball on middle, Shimron works it to deep square leg to get off the mark with a single.
In over# 1
4
0
0
4
2
4
Craig Young 14/0(1)
4.6
4
EDGY FOUR! Third boundary in the over! Shorter in length and outside off, Lewis goes hard after it. The ball though flies off the outside edge and goes to the third man fence.
4.5
.
Lewis misses out there! A slower ball, it is a dipping full toss. Lewis strokes it towards cover. Two dots in a row.
4.4
.
Yes, no, yes, no, confusion but no harm done! This one is a length ball, Lewis pushes it towards mid off. He wants a run, Hetmyer hesitates, Lewis stops and then both the batters go back to their respective ends.
4.3
4
FOUR! This one is right off the middle! A little width on offer outside off and Lewis makes him pay. He smashes it through covers and it races away to the fence. 50 up for the Windies. 10 from the first three balls.
4.2
2
In the air... safe! Just out of reach! One more full ball around off, Lewis swings again but this time only manages to slice it over mid off. Kevin O'Brien runs after the ball but fails to reach it. Two taken.
4.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Welcome into the attack, Young! Fuller and on off, Lewis makes room and lofts it over the mid off fielder for a boundary. Another over starts off with a boundary.
Craig Young is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
0
4
0W
0
4
Joshua Little 9/1(1)
3.6
1
Just short! Short of a length ball on off, Lewis looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards mid-wicket. Luckily for Lewis, the ball falls short of the onrushing fielder. The batters manage to take a single. 9 runs and a wicket from the over.
3.5
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
3.4
4
FOUR! Poor delivery to follow up the wicket! Full delivery down the leg side, Lewis flicks it down the fine leg region for a boundary.
Shimron Hetmyer walks in at no. 3.
3.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch! A screamer from George Dockrell! Unbelievable. Ireland are ecstatic and rightly so. A length delivery on off, Simmons opens up with the intention to power it over mid off but loses his shape badly. He ends up slicing it over the cover region. George Dockrell comes across from deep point, sees from the corner of his eye that Simi Singh is running in from the circle. George though does well to keep his eyes and concentration on the ball and dives forward to complete a stunner of a catch. He jumps and starts celebrating. A good little knock from Simmons comes to an end.
3.2
.
Good fielding! This is fuller and outside off, Simmons guides it towards point. The fielder dives to his right and stops it.
3.1
4
FOUR! That is just placed! Brilliant shot, beautifully timed. It is slightly fuller and around off, Simmons leans into it and just creams it through extra cover for a boundary.
Joshua Little into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1wd
6
4
4
Simi Singh 20/0(2)
2.6
.
Floated one outside off, Lewis pushes it to point. Big, big over for the Windies. 16 runs have come from it.
2.5
.
Loopy delivery outside off, Lewis pushes it back to the bowler.
2.4
1
Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
2.4
1wd
WIDE! Flatter one outside off, Lendl lets it go to the keeper. A wide signaled.
2.3
6
SIX! Simmons is taking on Simi Singh! 14 already from the over. Floated on middle, Simmons smashes it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.
2.2
4
FOUR! Thrashed! This is even better! Very full delivery on off, Simmons hammers it straight back past the bowler and into the fence. Not easy to hit those fullish deliveries but Simmons still manages to do so. Nearly took the umpire along with his shot.
2.1
4
FOUR! A rank long hop! Short delivery on off, Simmons hammers it over the bowler's head for a boundary.
In over# 1
6
1
0
0
1
4
1wd
Barry McCarthy 13/0(1)
1.6
6
SIX! Hammered! Short ball on off, Lewis rocks on his back foot and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket region for the first biggie of the innings. 13 runs have come from the over, an expensive one for the Irishmen.
1.5
1
Full delivery on middle and leg, Lendl drives it down to long on for a single.
1.4
.
Good length ball on off, Simmons stands tall and defends it out.
1.3
.
McCarthy dishes a length ball outside off, Simmons leaves the ball alone.
1.2
1
Good length ball on the pads, Evin works it to deep square leg for a single.
1.1
4
FOUR! Smashed! Short delivery on off, Lewis pulls it over the mid on fielder and goes into the fence. The fielder chases after it but fails to do so. First one in this innings.
1.1
1wd
WIDE! False start. McCarthy goes for a short ball first up but the line is not right. It is down the leg side. Lewis looks to pull but misses. Called a wide.
Pace from the other end as Barry McCarthy to bowl now.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
1
0
Simi Singh 4/0(1)
0.6
1
Overthrows but no extra run taken! Flatter one on middle, Lewis punches it to cover and takes off for a run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses it. The ball rolls to the deep square leg region but the batters decide against taking the second.
0.5
1
Floated on middle, Simmons works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
0.4
.
Loopy delivery on off, Lendl gently pushes it to the cover fielder.
0.3
1
Flat one outside off, Lewis punches it off the back foot towards mid off, Singh comes across, dives but fails to stop it. The batters take a single.
0.2
1
Simmons and West Indies are underway! Flatter one on off, Simmons pushes it to long on for a single.
0.1
.
Singh starts with a floated ball on middle. No spin on it though. Simmons solidly defends it back to the bowler.
The run chase is all set to get underway! The Ireland players are already out in the middle with Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons, the designated West Indian openers following them. Simi Singh will start for the visitors.
Now then, 209 is the target! The boundaries are small and the wicket is a good one to bat on, also, the Windies have the firepower in their batting to gun down this target. Ireland, on the other hand, just need to hit the right lines and lengths and hope for the best. Can they do so? Stay tuned to find out...
Paul Stirling, the star of the show, is caught for a quick interview! He starts by saying that at one stage they were looking good for a lot more than they eventually got. Feels that it's still a very good total. Thinks it's a bit tough for the new batsmen coming in. Reckons that it's not going to be an easy chase for West Indies and hopes to defend the total.
The Windies bowlers took a real pounding today! Williams had a day to forget as he went for aplenty in every over. Bravo, Pierre and Cottrell started off poorly but managed to end really well. Bravo especially, he was the pick of the bowlers along with Walsh. It is because of these two the Irishmen did not run away with the game. Both had combined figures of 8-0-53-3 which is exceptional considering the carnage we witnessed in this innings.
What a batting display from the visitors! They actually struggled to go over the 200-run mark in the 50-over format but have ended with a score above 200 in the shortest version. It though could have easily been a lot more as they were 154 for 0 in the 13th over. The openers blasted the Windies bowlers all over. They managed to smash 93 in the Powerplay and did not slow down too after that. Stirling was nearing his ton whereas Kevin his half ton. Both though missed out and fell in quick succession and then the Windies managed to squeeze the runs and also pick wickets at regular intervals. However, some handy runs from Delany and Wilson saw Ireland go over the 200-run mark.
19.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Ends the innings with back-to-back wickets. Evin Lewis takes a terrific catch and that ends the innings for Ireland. Full delivery on the pads, Singh flicks it nicely but does not get the required distance on it. Evin Lewis stationed at deep square leg, takes a good catch. He sees himself going over the ropes due to the momentum but he manages to keep his foot inside the rope. Just 10 runs have come from the last two overs. Excellent death-over bowling from the hosts! IRELAND FINISH ON 208/7.
Simi Singh walks out to face the final ball of the innings.
19.5
W
OUT! TIMBER! Here comes the salute. Brilliant delivery from Cottrell and he sees the back of Wilson. Slower short delivery on middle, Wilson looks to pull but misses and the ball goes onto uproot the middle stump. A sight which every fast bowler loves to see.
19.4
1lb
Length ball on the pads, Dockrell looks to whip it but misses to get hit on the pads. The ball goes to the leg side and the batters take a leg bye.
19.3
1
Short ball around middle, Wilson pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
19.2
1
Good length ball on the pads, Dockrell looks to whip it away to the leg side but it takes an inside edge and goes onto the thigh pad. The ball rolls to square leg and the batters take a run.
19.2
1wd
Full delivery down the leg side, Dockrell looks to flick but misses. Wide signaled.
19.1
2
Full delivery on middle, Dockrell flicks it to deep mid-wicket and calls for a couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper but George had made his way back in.
Sheldon Cottrell to bowl the final over of the innings. 3-0-32-0 from him so far. Can he bowl a tight over to end the innings on a high for the Windies?
In over# 1
1
1
1
0W
1
0
Dwayne Bravo 28/2(4)
18.6
1
Yorker around middle and leg, Dockrell drives it wide of long off for a single. Just four runs have come from the penultimate over. Bravo finishes with 4-0-28-2, what a spell when you consider all the carnage!
18.5
1
Fullish delivery outside off, Wilson drives it to deep cover for a single.
18.4
1
Slower delivery on middle, Dockrell works it to long on for a single. 200 up for the Irishmen, 5th time they have done so in T20Is when they have batted first.
George Dockrell walks out to bat now.
18.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! Just like Kevin O'Brien, Bravo gets the wicket of Delany in the same manner. Yorker on off, Delany looks to dig it out but misses it. The ball goes onto hit the off stump. Bravo looked rusty in his first over but since then he has been brilliant. Delany falls after playing a very handy cameo.
18.2
1
Very full delivery outside off, Wilson drives it to deep cover and the batters take a single.
18.1
.
PLAY AND A MISS! Slower delivery outside off, Wilson looks to cut but misses it altogether.
Dwayne Bravo to bowl out. 3-0-24-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
6
1wd
6
4
1lb
2
Kesrick Williams 48/0(3)
17.6
.
Back of a length delivery on off, Delany cuts it to point. Excellent over for the Irish team, 20 runs have come from it!
17.5
6
SIX! Shot of the innings so far! Brilliant batting! Full delivery on off, Delany makes room and then slams it nonchalantly over the extra cover region for a biggie.
17.5
1wd
WIDE! Length ball way outside off, Delany lets it go to the keeper. The umpire signals it as a wide.
17.4
6
SIX! Hammered! Magnificent batting! Full delivery on middle, Delany thrashes it straight over the bowler's head for a maximum.
17.3
4
FOUR! In the gap and a boundary! Slightly short and on middle, Delany stays back and pulls it hard through square leg. The fielder in the deep runs to his left but has no chance.
17.2
1lb
This is angled into the body, Wilson looks to flick but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the off side. Leg bye taken.
17.1
2
Good fielding! Slower short ball and on middle, Wilson pulls it through mid-wicket. Lewis in the deep runs to his left and stops it with his leg. Saves two for his side but could have easily got injured there. Fortunately, nothing happened though.
Kesrick Williams comes back on. 2-0-29-1 from him so far.
In over# 1
0
1
4
2
4
1
Sheldon Cottrell 32/0(3)
16.6
.
Driven through the covers by the batsman. 12 from the over!
16.5
1
NOT OUT! It is brushing the gloves. Great decision by the umpire. Full delivery on the pads, Wilson looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. The West Indian players appeal but the umpire says no. Kieron Pollard, the Windies skipper, wants the review. The replays show that it had hit the gloves. West Indies lose their only review. The ball rolls to short fine leg and the batters manage to take a single.
Review time! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Windies review but the pitching seems to be outside leg. There is actually a spike on Snicko when it passes the glove so that is that. You need not go further.
16.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Fullish delivery outside off, Wilson leans forward and creams the drive through the cover region for a boundary.
16.3
2
OVERTHROWS! Good length ball on off, Wilson drives it to point and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. The ball rolls to deep mid-wicket, allowing the batters to take another run. The fielder throws it to the keeper to try for another run out but Wilson had made his way back in.
16.2
4
FOUR! Nice and fine! A boundary after the 12th over. A much-needed one. It is on a length and around off, Wilson plays it late. He gets it fine on the off side and it reaches the third man fence.
16.1
1
On a length and around off, it is pushed towards covers. Pollard dives to his left and makes a good stop. Just the run.
Sheldon Cottrell returns. 2-0-20-0 are his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
2
0W
2
Khary Pierre 45/2(3)
15.6
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Delany plays it to mid on to keep the strike for the next over. Pierre puts in a terrific over as he just gave away 5 runs and more importantly, picked up two wickets.
15.5
1
Fuller one on off, Wilson gets off the mark by pushing this towards cover for a single.
Gary Wilson is in at 6.
15.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust but this is due to a brilliant catch from Dwayne Bravo. Flatter delivery outside off, Tector cuts but plays it uppishly to the point region. Bravo dives to his right and takes a good catch. This is turning out to be an excellent over for the hosts.
15.3
2
The short of length delivery has been cut away through square on the off side. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
Harry Tector is the new man in.
15.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Balbirnie falls and West Indies are making a strong comeback in this game. Floated ball on off, Balbirnie makes room and then looks to smash it away over the off side but gets a top edge which goes towards short third man. Kesrick Williams stationed there takes a simple catch.
15.1
2
Misfield! Floated ball outside off, Balbirnie lifts it towards deep cover. The fielder comes ahead and then dives to attempt for a catch but it falls short. The batters take two.
Khary Pierre is back on! He has taken a real pounding today, 39 in his two overs. Can he make a strong comeback?
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1
0
Dwayne Bravo 24/1(3)
14.6
.
The batsman works it down the leg side. West Indies are coming back strongly here.
14.5
.
Fullish delivery down the leg side, Delany looks to flick but misses to get hit on the thigh pad and the ball rolls to the keeper.
14.4
1
Had to be a direct hit! Low full toss on middle, Balbirnie makes room and drives it to cover. Balbirnie takes off for a single. Delany though is not sure and is late in taking off. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. The batsman was not even in the picture there.
14.3
1
Very full delivery on middle, Delany digs it out to the off side for a single.
14.2
1
Short ball outside off, Balbirnie pushes it to cover and the batters take a single.
14.1
.
An appeal for caught behind but not given! Full delivery down the leg side. Balbirnie bends and looks to play the scoop but misses. There is an appeal for caught behind but the umpire shows no interest.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0W
0
Hayden Walsh 25/1(4)
13.6
.
Full and around off, pushed towards cover. End of a brilliant over from Walsh. Just a run and a massive wicket of Stirling. Last two overs have brought West Indies back into the match somewhat!
13.5
1
Shortish around off, Balbirnie taps it through covers for a single.
13.4
.
Bowls this fuller and makes it spin away just a hint. Balbirnie looks to drive but misses.
13.3
.
Full and around middle, pushed to covers.
Gareth Delany walks out to bat.
13.2
W
OUT! Caught! Walsh strikes and no T20I century for Stirling but what an unbelievable knock this is from him. He falls 5 short of a well-deserved ton. Walsh floats this around off, Stirling looks to slog sweep but ends up mistiming it. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket where Lewis settles under the ball and pouches it comfortably. Paul gets a standing ovation from his teammates as he walks back. West Indies though have got both the set-batters in quick succession and they would aim to keep the Irish total under 200.
13.1
.
Floated ball around off, it is pushed towards cover.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0W
0
1
Dwayne Bravo 21/1(2)
12.6
.
Full toss on the pads, Balbirnie makes room and then punches it to the cover region. Finally, an over which belongs to the West Indies. 3 runs and a wicket from it. By far the best over for West Indies today!
12.5
2
MISFIELD! And a run out chance missed as well after that! Good length ball on off, Balbirnie pushes it towards mid off and takes off for a single. Lendl Simmons attacks the ball but fails to collect it. The batters want the second but Simmons recovers and throws it to the bowler's end. Misses. Had he hit, Stirling was gone for all money.
12.4
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Balbirnie looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler.
Andy Balbirnie, the Ireland skipper, makes his way out to the middle.
12.3
W
OUT! KABOOM! DJ Bravo gets the breakthrough West Indies were so desperate for! A corker of a yorker. It is on off and even before Kevin could get his bat down, the ball sneaks through and hits the off pole. Bravo is up and running in his typical celebration. A good innings from Kevin O'Brien comes to an end, he played second fiddle to Stirling but was a part of an unbelievable 154-run opening stand. Can West Indies now get back into the game or will the other Irish batters capitalize on the start they have got?
12.2
.
Well bowled! Full and just inside the tramline on the off side. Kevin slashes but misses. He is down on his knees after playing the shot. Really swung hard there.
12.1
1
Very full and on off, this is jammed out towards cover for one. Just the 5 runs away from a ton.
Dwayne Bravo is back on. 1-0-18-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
6
1
Hayden Walsh 24/0(3)
11.6
1
Shorter in length again, Stirling stays back and pushes it through covers for one.
11.5
.
Fires it short and outside off, PS cuts it to point.
11.4
1
On middle, this is pushed with the turn through covers for one.
11.3
1
Quicker and flatter outside off, this is guided to point for one.
11.2
6
SIX! In the stands! Up comes the 150. It is on middle, Stirling reaches out for it and drags it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
11.1
1
Misfield! Shorter and around off, Kevin pushes it towards cover-point. Pollard runs to his right, dives and it goes through towards the deep. Still only a run though.
In over# 1
1
1
4
2
1
4
Kieron Pollard 22/0(2)
10.6
1
Floated on off, O'Brien plays it uppishly towards cover and a single is taken. Another expensive over from the West Indies. 13 runs have come from it.
10.5
1
Flatter delivery outside off, Paul cuts it to the off side for a single.
10.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery outside off, Stirling gets into position and then slashes it over the short third man fielder for a boundary.
10.3
2
The batsman has taken the risk and lofted it over the covers. Two runs added to the total.
10.2
1
In the air but Pollard cannot get his hands to it. Slower full delivery on off, O'Brien looks to heave it over the leg side but gets a top edge which goes miles in the air. The ball goes towards mid on and Pollard calls for it. He runs behind and tries to settle under it but he realizes he has not reached there. He then stretches his hands forward and tries to catch but he still cannot reach it. A chance goes abegging. The batsmen have crossed.
10.1
4
FOUR! The Irish dominance continues! Short of a length ball outside off, O'Brien cuts it through the cover region for a boundary. The fielders from deep point and deep cover come across but the ball bisects them and goes into the fence.
In over# 1
0
0
4wd
0
0
1
1b
Hayden Walsh 14/0(2)
9.6
.
One more dot! This lands on middle, it turns away. PS looks to work it on the leg side but it goes off the leading edge towards point. Kevin wants a run but is sent back. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. The ball goes towards long on but the overthrow is not taken. 8 dots for Walsh in his two overs, he has bowled the same number of dots as all the bowlers combined so far. Brilliant stuff.
9.5
.
Shorter and outside off, PS cuts it to point.
9.5
4wd
WIDE! Poor bowling. Fires it down the leg side. Kevin looks to pull but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly. It goes towards the fine leg fence. The fielder at short fine leg, hares after it and pushes it back in. Three taken.
9.4
.
Kevin now looks to go over the leg side with a slog sweep but is early in the stroke. He misses and gets hit on body.
9.3
.
Close! Kevin O'Brien makes room again and Walsh bowls a leg spinner on off, it turns away. Kevin looks to cut but misses.
Walsh was ready to bowl but O'Brien moves away. However, Walsh delivers the ball and O'Brien eventually pushes it towards long off. The umpire calls it a dead ball but the bowler is not happy. He will have to re-bowl it though.
9.2
1
Quicker and on off, Stirling pushes it through point for one.
9.1
1b
Was that a stumping chance? It is a googly from Walsh. He follows Kevin as he makes room. O'Brien looks to loft it down the ground but misses. The keeper too fails to collect it and the ball goes towards fine leg for one. Bye signaled.
In over# 1
1
1wd
2
1nb
1
0
1
2
Kieron Pollard 9/0(1)
8.6
1
Good length ball outside off, O'Brien looks to drive but it takes the inside half of the bat and it goes towards mid-wicket for a single.
8.6
1wd
WIDE! Length ball way outside off, Kevin looks to cut but misses it. The umpire signals it as a wide.
8.5
2
Does not make use of the Free Hit. Slower delivery on middle, O'Brien lifts it towards long on and before the fielder can come across and clean it up, the batters take two.
8.5
1nb
A loud shout for LBW but turned down. Seems to be going high. Back of a length delivery around off, O'Brien looks to play the pull but misses to get hit on the thigh pad. Pollard appeals but the umpire is not interested. Good decision in the end as the replays show that it was missing the stumps by a big margin. The umpire signals it a no ball now, via the third umpire. Free Hit will follow.
8.4
1
Pollard changes his pace and bowls a length ball outside off, Stirling moves to the off side and then guides it to short third man for a single.
8.3
.
A rare dot ball! Full delivery on off, Paul drives but finds the cover fielder.
8.2
1
Falls short! Back of a length ball outside off, Kevin looks to drive off the back foot but it takes the outside edge and goes uppishly towards third man. It falls in front of the fielder and the batters take a single.
8.1
2
Excellent fielding! This is outside off, Kevin O'Brien lofts it over cover-point. It seems to be heading into the fence but the deep point fielder runs to his right, steps out of the boundary but seems to have pulled it back before that. The umpires go upstairs to check and replays show he has done well. Very smart from the fielding.
Skipper Kieron Pollard brings himself into the attack now. He has taken things in his own hands now.
In over# 1
0
0
2
6
0
1
Hayden Walsh 9/0(1)
7.6
.
Just short! Walsh bowls a flighted one on middle, Stirling looks to push it back towards the bowler. It goes uppishly but luckily for him, the ball just bounces in front of Walsh. 9 runs have come from the over.
7.5
.
Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
7.4
2
Overthrows! Floated outside off, Stirling guides it to short third man for a single. The fielder throws it to the keeper's end and the ball rolls to deep mid-wicket. The batters manage to take another run.
7.3
6
SIX! Smashed! Flighted on middle, Stirling bends and slog sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
7.2
.
Looped up ball on middle, Stirling looks to flick but gets a leading edge and the ball rolls back to the bowler.
7.1
1
Starts with a floated one on the leg stump line, with some spin away from the batsman. Kevin works it to the leg side for a single.
Hayden Walsh is on now. West Indies need a breakthrough. Can he provide one?
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
1nb
4
1
Kesrick Williams 29/0(2)
6.6
1
Clever batting! Already good amount of runs have come in this over so Kevin just pushes it down to long on and takes one.
6.5
1
Very full and outside off, this is mistimed towards mid off for one.
6.4
1
Very full and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
6.3
4
FOUR! Takes full toll of the Free Hit. A gift was served though. A high full toss on the body, this is pulled behind square on the leg side and another boundary results. They go upstairs to check if it is a no ball for height but it is fine. 100 up for Ireland, in the 7th over itself.
6.3
1nb
Slips another one down the leg side, Kevin looks to play it fine but misses. Williams is not getting it right. It is not a wide actually, it is a no ball. So a Free Hit is coming up. Williams overstepped there.
6.2
4
FOUR! Poor, poor bowling! With fine leg up, that is not where you want to bowl. Full and on the pads, Kevin works it fine on the leg side and bags another boundary.
6.1
1
Very full and on the pads, Stirling works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
Kesrick Williams returns now. 1-0-16-0 are his figures so far. Can he stop the menace?
In over# 1
1
4
4
2
1wd
6
6
Khary Pierre 39/0(2)
5.6
1
Shorter one on middle, Stirling pushes it down to long on for a single. 24 runs from the over. What a Powerplay for the Irishmen. 93 runs have come from it and setting a new record. It is now the highest amount of runs scored in the Powerplay in an international T20 game! Wow.
5.5
4
FOUR! 23 from the over already and it is turning out to be a terrific start from Ireland. Floated ball on the middle stump line, Stirling sweeps and sweeps hard towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
5.4
4
FOUR! Excellent batting from Stirling. Flighted ball on middle, Stirling bends on his knees and sweeps it to the fine leg region for another boundary.
5.3
2
Flatter one on off, Stirling makes room to cut but it takes the top edge and goes past the short third man fielder and is racing away to the fence. The fielder chases it from inside the ring and slides to make a good stop. Only 2 taken in the end.
5.3
1wd
WIDE! Pierre floats this down the leg side, Stirling looks to sweep but misses. A wide signaled by the umpire.
5.2
6
SIX! Stirling is on fire and Pierre is under the pump at the moment! Floated one on middle, Stirling heaves it over long on for a biggie. He did not time it well but still had enough to go over the ropes.
5.1
6
SIX! Fifty for Stirling! His 17th in this format! This has been some innings. Just taken 20 balls to do so. Brilliant from the opener and he has played good cricketing strokes. A very fluent innings so far. He gets there by lofting this full ball over the long off fence. Hit that with the turn. Lovely stuff.
Khary Pierre is back on. 1-0-15-0 from him so far.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1wd
6
6
4
Dwayne Bravo 18/0(1)
4.6
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Stirling pushes it down to long on for a single. Poor return for Dwayne Bravo to international cricket. 18 runs have come from the over.
4.5
.
Short ball on middle, Stirling stands tall and defends it to cover.
4.4
.
Length ball on middle, Paul works it to mid-wicket for nothing.
4.4
1wd
WIDE! This time Bravo dishes a fuller one down the leg side, Stirling looks to flick but misses. The umpire signals it as a wide.
4.3
6
SIX! This is excellent batting from Stirling! Bravo is taking a real beating at the moment. Good length ball on off, Stirling stands tall and thrashes it over the long off region for a maximum.
4.2
6
SIX! That is some way to welcome Bravo back to the international arena. Bravo dishes another slower one on middle, Stirling waits for it and hammers it straight over the bowler's head for a biggie.
4.1
4
FOUR! Poor return to the T20Is for Bravo! He starts with a slower delivery but it is down the leg side, Stirling just helps it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.
Dwayne Bravo to bowl now. Played his last T20I for West Indies in 2016. Can he break this opening stand?
In over# 1
1
6
1
1
1
6
Kesrick Williams 16/0(1)
3.6
1
Better from Williams! Good length ball on middle, cramping Stirling for room. Paul defends it towards mid on and take a single. 16 from the over. An expensive one to start from Kesrick Williams.
3.5
6
SIX! Extravagant! Full delivery outside off, Stirling hammers it over the extra cover region for a biggie. 50-run stand is up between the two. They have given a terrific start to the Irish team and now would be looking to make it a big one.
3.4
1
Short of a length ball on the pads, O'Brien shovels it towards the deep square leg region but there is a fielder stationed in the deep and he cleans it up. A single taken.
3.3
1
On a length down the leg side, Stirling makes room and punches it down to long on for a single.
3.2
1
Good length ball on middle, Kevin drives it to long on for another run.
3.1
6
SIX! Picked up and deposited into the stands! Slightly shorter and on middle, it is a nothing delivery. It sits up to be hit. Kevin stays back and pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie. Ireland are off to a flier here.
Just one over from Khary Pierre as Kesrick Williams comes into the attack.
In over# 1
1
4
1
1
6
2
Sheldon Cottrell 20/0(2)
2.6
1
Outside off, O'Brien drives it uppishly to deep cover and takes a single to keep strike for the next over. 15 from Cottrell's second over.
2.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Full delivery outside off, O'Brien opens the face of the bat and plays it over the point fielder for a boundary.
2.4
1
Edgy! Fullish ball outside off, Stirling looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge and the ball goes to third man. The batters take a single.
2.3
1
Length ball on middle and leg, Kevin whips it to deep square leg and crosses over for a single.
2.2
6
SIX! Stand and deliver! Short of a length ball on middle, O'Brien stands tall and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket region for half a dozen.
2.1
2
Uppish but wide! On the fuller side and angling across the batter. Kevin looks to play it with a straighter bat and hence it flies off the outer half past the diving cover-point fielder and the batters take two.
In over# 1
4
6
2
1
0
1wd
1
Khary Pierre 15/0(1)
1.6
4
FOUR! Just wide! Floated on middle, Stirling tries to heave it towards the deep mid-wicket region but does not time it well at all. It goes just past the jumping mid-wicket fielder and into the fence. Not a great start from Khary Pierre. Gave away 15 runs.
1.5
6
SIX! Hammered! Pierre bowls a floated one on middle, Paul bends and thrashes it over the long on region for a biggie.
1.4
2
On middle, Paul bends on his knees and sweeps it towards the deep mid-wicket region for an easy couple.
1.3
1
Floated one on middle, Kevin sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
1.2
.
Loopy delivery on the pads, Stirling looks to sweep but fails and the ball goes onto hit the pads. No harm done as it's going down.
1.2
1wd
WIDE! Floated one down the leg side, O'Brien looks to flick but misses. It is wided.
1.1
1
Pierre starts with a flatter one outside off and there is no spin on it. Stirling makes room and punches it to point for a single.
Spin from the other end as Khary Pierre gets ready to bowl.
In over# 1
0
1
0
4
0
0
Sheldon Cottrell 5/0(1)
0.6
.
On a length on middle, O'Brien defends it to the leg side off the back foot. Good start from Cottrell.
0.5
1
Short delivery outside off, Stirling cuts it to third man for a single.
0.4
.
Lucky! Stirling moves to the off side and the ball just misses the leg stump. Good bowling from Cottrell. Full delivery down the leg side, Stirling takes a few steps to the off side and looks to flick but misses. It just about misses the leg stump and goes to the keeper.
0.3
4
EDGY FOUR! Ireland and Stirling are off the mark in an edgy fashion! Length ball outside off, Stirling looks to slash but it takes the outside edge and goes over the only slip fielder for a boundary.
Dwayne Bravo is mic'd up for a chat. On his return to the national side, Bravo says that it is a great feeling of playing for West Indies again. Tells that he is really excited about this game and feels like he is making his debut all over again. On the injury last year and how he is feeling, Bravo replies that he has always taken care of his fitness and tries to keep himself in shape. Tells about the couple of tournaments he has played in the recent past and is feeling very good about himself.
0.2
.
Good length ball on off, Stirling pushes it to cover.
0.1
.
Cottrell starts with a very full delivery outside off. He looks to angle it into the batsman but the ball goes straight on. Stirling looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
We are all set to begin the first T20I!!! Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien make their way out to the middle as the openers for the Irish. The Windies players are also out in the field. The conditions are overcast and West Indies won't mind to bowl in these conditions. Sheldon Cottrell will start the proceedings for the hosts.
West Indies (Playing XI) - Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Dwayne Bravo, Hayden Walsh, Khary Pierre, Kesrick Williams, Sheldon Cottrell.
Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, Andrew Balbirnie (C), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Gary Wilson (WK), Simi Singh, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Craig Young.
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favour of Ireland. THEY WILL BAT FIRST.
It is now time for the shortest format of the game! West Indies will be taking on the Irish. The hosts bossed throughout the ODI series and they would look to do the same in the T20 format as well. The Irish, on the other hand, will look to put in an improved performance and hope they start the series with a win. Can they do so? It will be surely an upset if it happens though. Stay with us for the toss and team updates.
Home