Windies clinch nail-biter from Ireland

T he Windies eked out an enthralling yet narrow one-wicket win over Ireland in the second one-day international (ODI) in Barbados to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The winning runs for the host came from an almighty heave from Sheldon Cottrell, which went for six off the last ball of the innings as the Windies chased down the 238 needed, to finish on 242 for nine.

It was a thrilling final over which saw Ireland having their moments, however, a couple of missed run-outs benefitted the home side which was brilliantly marshalled by an unbeaten 46 from Hayden Walsh Jr.

Nicholas Pooran, 50, and captain Kieron Pollard, 40, shared in a crucial 64-run partnership which resuscitated the Windies innings which teetered at 76 for four.

Man of the Match

The steady fall of wickets saw the hosts still needing 90 runs to win with three wickets in hand in just over 21 overs. It was the lower order which included Khary Pierre, 18, Man-of-the-Match Alzarri Joseph, 16, and Cottrell, seven not out, that partnered Walsh to see the home side to an unlikely yet dramatic win.

Off-spinner Simi Singh was brilliant with the ball and bat, taking three for 48 and scoring 34 towards the back end of the Ireland innings, which earlier helped them to a respectable total of 237 for nine in their 50 overs.

Opener Paul Stirling top scored with 63 against Joseph, who was in fine form once again to claim a second four-wicket haul for 32 runs in 10 overs. Sheldon Cottrell was also once again among the wickets, as he bagged three for 51 from 10 overs.

The third ODI will take place in Grenada on Sunday.