Ireland ended a wait spanning 22 matches across five editions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup when they defeated West Indies by six wickets at the County Ground in Bristol on June 27, 2026.
Chasing 129, Ireland reached the target in 18.1 overs, with Orla Prendergast’s 63 off 44 balls the cornerstone of the run chase. The win also dealt a significant blow to West Indies’ semi-final ambitions and brought defending champions New Zealand back into Group 2 contention.
Spinners Put the Brakes on West Indies
Ireland opted to field after winning the toss and their bowlers set up the win before a ball was bowled in the second innings. West Indies made a brisk start, reaching 31 for two in three overs, with Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews hitting boundaries early. But Ireland’s spinners gradually took control and choked the West Indies middle order.
Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with two for 13 from four overs. Her tight legbreak bowling made scoring difficult through the middle overs and resulted in crucial dismissals. Left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire was equally effective, claiming two for 22. Matthews managed 22 off 25 balls before being caught at square leg off Murray. Stafanie Taylor, batting at number four, worked her way to 16 before holing out to Prendergast at long-on off Maguire.
Deandra Dottin made 21 off 28 balls, but never threatened to accelerate. Only Chinelle Henry provided any late impetus, scoring an unbeaten 27 off 21 balls to push West Indies to 128 for 7. Extras cost West Indies 14 runs in total, including 10 wides, which further underlined the pressure Ireland’s bowling created. None of the West Indies batters could build on their starts, and a total of 128 proved well below par.
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Prendergast’s Half-Century Sets Up the Chase
Ireland needed a positive start and got one, reaching 37 for 1 in the powerplay. Captain Gaby Lewis fell for nine, but Amy Hunter and Prendergast added 62 runs off 53 balls for the second wicket and put the chase firmly on track. Hunter played smartly for her 28 off 32 balls, batting until the 13th over when Ireland were well placed at 88 for 1.
Prendergast was the standout performer throughout. She brought up her half-century in 36 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes in a 44-ball knock of 63. This was her second fifty of the tournament, the first having come in a four-run defeat to New Zealand the week prior. She was eventually dismissed attempting to clear mid-wicket off Matthews, caught on the rope by Dottin. At that point, Ireland required 21 runs off 28 balls.
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Ireland Hold Nerves to Cross the Line
The later stages brought a degree of anxiety after Prendergast’s dismissal, with Leah Paul also falling for four. But Rebecca Stokell and Louise Little steadied the innings and took Ireland to the target without further alarm. Stokell ended unbeaten on 16 off 15 balls and Little finished on four not out, with Ireland crossing the line off the first ball of the 19th over.
The result also capped a memorable 24 hours for Irish cricket. A day earlier, the Ireland men’s team had beaten India for the first time in any format, defeating them in a T20I in Belfast. For the women’s team, it was a victory that had been 22 attempts in the making.
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