In a rain-affected and action-packed T20I series decider, the West Indies secured a convincing victory over Ireland, thanks to standout performances from Evin Lewis and Akeal Hosein. The third T20I, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, saw a dominant display by the Caribbean side, sealing the series 1-0 after the first two games were impacted by rain.
Evin Lewis Blazes With the Bat
Opening the innings, Evin Lewis showed exactly why he remains one of West Indies’ most dangerous T20 batters. Coming back into the national side after a gap, Lewis wasted no time making an impact. He scored a blistering 70 off 41 balls, including 8 boundaries and 4 towering sixes. His aggressive intent set the tone early, pushing Ireland on the back foot from the outset.
Lewis’ knock not only anchored the West Indies innings but also put pressure on the Irish bowlers, who struggled to find their line and length. He looked in vintage touch, timing the ball beautifully and capitalizing on anything remotely loose.
Akeal Hosein Spins a Web
If Lewis laid the foundation, it was Akeal Hosein who ensured Ireland had no chance of a comeback. The left-arm spinner delivered a match-winning spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 12 runs in his 4 overs. Hosein’s accuracy, flight, and ability to vary pace made life miserable for the Irish batters, who failed to read him on a turning surface.
His dismissals included crucial middle-order wickets that broke the spine of Ireland’s chase. Hosein’s performance was not only effective but also demonstrated the growing strength of West Indies’ spin department.
Match Summary
- West Indies Innings: 165/7 in 20 overs
(Evin Lewis 70, Rovman Powell 32; Josh Little 2/26) - Ireland Innings: 111 all out in 17.2 overs
(Harry Tector 27; Akeal Hosein 4/12)
Series Result: West Indies Win 1-0
The victory in the third T20I gave West Indies a 1-0 series win, as the first match was washed out and the second ended with no result due to rain. The series might have been shortened by weather, but the Windies made sure to leave a lasting impression in the final game.
Key Takeaways:
- Evin Lewis reminded selectors and fans of his explosive abilities at the top.
- Akeal Hosein continues to emerge as a key figure in West Indies’ T20 setup.
- Ireland, despite some promise, were unable to withstand the combined pressure of power hitting and quality spin.
What’s Next?
With this series wrapped up, West Indies will turn their focus toward their upcoming international commitments, particularly eyeing preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. For Ireland, it’s back to the drawing board to sharpen their batting and bowling under pressure.
Stay tuned for more match updates, cricket analysis, and player performances from around the world!