Keacy Carty played a career-defining knock of 170 in the third ODI against Ireland, propelling the West Indies to a commanding 197-run victory (via the DLS method) and leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Carty, following up on his previous century, delivered another stellar innings with significant contributions from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves. Their collective performance led to the West Indies’ second-highest ODI total, ensuring the series concluded on a high note for the hosts.
Early Setback, Followed by Strong Recovery
Ireland made a strong start, with Barry McCarthy once again making early breakthroughs. He removed both West Indian openers within five overs, giving Ireland early momentum. However, that was quickly halted by a resolute partnership between Carty and Hope.
Building on their solid form from the previous game, Carty and Hope combined for a vital 137-run stand for the third wicket. Carty, initially more tentative in the second ODI, began confidently with elegant cover drives and well-timed flicks. After the first ten overs, Carty allowed Hope to take charge while playing a more composed supporting role.
Hope reached a fluent half-century, punishing debutant Jordan Neill with boundaries, before a rain delay interrupted play. Unfortunately for Ireland, Neill’s debut ended prematurely after he injured his shoulder attempting a boundary stop.
Resumption and Dominance Post-Rain Break
When play resumed, Harry Tector came into the attack but was immediately dispatched for a towering six by Hope. Although Liam McCarthy generated some extra bounce and posed a few challenges, the West Indies duo continued to score freely.
Hope’s innings ended on 75 when he was caught by substitute fielder Thomas Mayes, but Ireland’s pressure started to fade. The West Indies scored just 18 runs in the next five overs, but Amir Jangoo’s six provided a much-needed release, and Carty reached his century with a cut shot in the 38th over.
Carty accelerated rapidly from there, taking advantage of a rain delay to unleash a barrage of boundaries and sixes. He punished Barry McCarthy for two boundaries and then launched George Dockrell for back-to-back sixes.
Batting Carnage in the Final Overs
Justin Greaves joined Carty and immediately lifted the tempo. Dockrell nearly dismissed him, but a mistimed shot turned into a six when the fielder, Dockrell, stepped over the boundary rope after catching it.
Carty reached 150 in the 46th over and then went on a rampage in the 47th. He hammered McCarthy for three consecutive sixes, with the final one striking a cameraman at long-off, briefly halting play. Carty eventually fell for 170, attempting another big hit, but the damage had already been done.
Greaves continued his blitz, scoring a rapid fifty off just 22 balls before falling. Despite McCarthy taking three wickets, his efforts marked the first time an Irish bowler had conceded 100 runs in a men’s ODI, a testament to the West Indies’ destructive batting.
With valuable late cameos from Forde, Motie, and Roston Chase, the West Indies piled up 374/6, scoring an impressive 132 runs in the last eight overs—the third most ever recorded in a men’s ODI.
Seales’ Early Breakthroughs Seal Ireland’s Fate
Chasing a revised target of 363 in 46 overs following another rain delay, Ireland had a mountain to climb. Jayden Seales ensured they never got close, striking in his first over with a searing inswinger to bowl Andy Balbirnie. He returned to dismiss Paul Stirling, who had briefly threatened with two sixes, before taking Tector’s wicket in a dream over—a double-wicket maiden that effectively ended the contest.
Ireland’s Fightback Falls Short
Cade Carmichael and Lorcan Tucker attempted to stabilize the innings with a 72-run partnership. Carmichael impressed with some clean strokes, particularly against short-pitched bowling. But just as Ireland looked to rebuild, Alzarri Joseph and Greaves struck quickly to remove both set batters.
With Neill and Little unable to bat due to injuries sustained earlier, Ireland collapsed without much resistance. West Indies clinched the game emphatically, avoiding back-to-back series defeats against Ireland.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for the West Indies
This was a complete performance from the West Indies. Carty’s remarkable 170 underscored his class and solidified his place as a future asset for the team. Shai Hope’s consistency and Justin Greaves’ explosive finish highlighted the depth in the West Indies’ batting lineup. Seales’ early breakthroughs ensured Ireland had no chance to recover, sealing the win for the hosts.
With the series drawn at 1-1, the West Indies will be buoyed by their dominant performance in the final game—a perfect mix of resilience, aggression, and raw talent that bodes well for their future ODI ambitions.
