​Captain Hayley Matthews and veteran Stafanie Taylor delivered superb centuries as West Indies Women chased down Ireland Women’s 241/7 to win by six wickets in the second ODI at Bready on Sunday, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare. Opting to bowl first, West Indies bowled with discipline, restricting Ireland to 241/7 in their 50 overs. Matthews and Taylor then stitched together a decisive 158-run partnership, guiding the visitors to 245/4 in 39 overs and leaving Ireland with 11 overs to spare.
Ireland’s innings began with a setback as Deandra Dottin struck twice in the opening spell, removing Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis to put the hosts under early pressure. However, Amy Hunter’s 67 and Rebecca Stokell’s 57 anchored the innings, forming a crucial 106-run partnership for the fourth wicket after Orla Prendergast had fallen to Matthews. The stand was broken when Matthews dismissed Hunter, and Afy Fletcher then dismissed Stokell nine balls later. Leah Paul provided late momentum with 32 off 30, helping Ireland post a competitive 241/7.
Matthews shone with the ball as well, finishing with 2/34, while Dottin’s fiery opening spell yielded 2/15. Ireland’s quick start to the chase faded as Matthews took control, racing to her second century of the series in just 94 balls and forging a game-changing 158-run stand with Taylor. Matthews reached her 100, departing at precisely the moment West Indies needed 83 more runs, after which Taylor took charge and accelerated.
Taylor’s innings began in support but quickly shifted gears after Matthews’ dismissal. The seasoned batter reached fifty in 62 balls, then produced an outstanding unbeaten century off 104 deliveries, sealing the win with a six. She remained not out alongside Shemaine Campbelle as West Indies chased down the target with ample overs to spare.
The victory gave West Indies an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series heading into the final fixture. Ireland Women: 241/7 in 50 overs (Amy Hunter 67, Rebecca Stokell 57; Hayley Matthews 2/34, Deandra Dottin 2/15). West Indies Women: 245/4 in 39 overs (Stafanie Taylor 104*, Hayley Matthews 100; Aimee Maguire 2/52). West Indies Women won by 6 wickets, extending their dominance in the series.