WI VS IRE 1ST ODI

Right then! That is it from the coverage of this game. The second game of the three-match ODI series between West Indies and Ireland will be played on 11th January, 2022. This clash will begin at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). But as all of you know, the buildup will begin well in advance so make sure you join us for the same. Till then, cheers and take care!

Kieron Pollard, the victorious skipper of West Indies, says that this win is important, even though they lost the toss, they did well. He adds that the toss is going to play a big factor in the entire series. Mentions that there was a lot of moisture and Ireland used the conditions pretty well. Further adds that they need to rotate the strike while batting. Tells that the partnership with Brooks was needed after losing quick wickets. Concludes by saying that the bowlers did pretty well and he had to go to his best bowlers at the end.

Andy Balbirnie, the skipper of Ireland, says that they fielded well but they could have done better with the ball. Adds that they were not able to pick wickets in the middle overs and that cost them. Tells that with the bat in hand, they were positioned well but himself and Tector were not able to see them through. Mentions that West Indies bowled well in the death overs and credits them for that.

Shamarh Brooks is the Player of the Match for his outstanding knock of 93 runs on debut. He says that he is happy with his performance but a bit disappointed not to score a hundred. On being asked about his transition from red-ball cricket to white-ball cricket, he says it was all about grabbing the opportunity, he enjoyed playing the longer format but he is happy to make his debut in Jamaica. Adds that the pitch was a bit challenging earlier on, but the conditions improved and he enjoyed batting with his captain.

Stay tuned for the presentation.

West Indies bowlers did leak some runs in the first half of the innings after getting an early breakthrough but they managed to come back really well in the contest and picked up wickets at regular intervals after breaking that stand between Tector and Balbirnie. Akeal Hosein was pretty economical as he conceded just 35 runs from his 10 overs and kept things tight. Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph picked up three wickets apiece and they bowled really well at the fag end to seal the game for the hosts. The debutant, Odean Smith also picked up a couple of wickets and overall, it was a good bowling performance from the hosts.

After losing William Porterfield early on in the innings, Ireland did bat really well, thanks to Andy Balbirnie and Andy McBrine who steadied the ship and also pounced on the loose deliveries. However, McBrine walked off the field after suffering a blow on his helmet but then came Harry Tector who had a solid partnership with the Irish skipper, Balbirnie. Both of them got to their fifties but weren't able to convert it into a big one. Once they both perished, things went downhill for the tourists and they completely lost the momentum. George Dockrell and Mark Adair did swing their willow at the end but it was too little too late and Ireland fell short.

A comfortable win in the end for West Indies and they draw first blood in this three-match ODI series. Ireland would be disappointed, as at one stage they were on course to chase down the target but have fallen short in the end.

OUT! TAKEN! What a catch by Nicholas Pooran! Odean Smith serves a short ball, over middle. Josh Little crouches a little and slaps this towards mid-wicket. Nicholas Pooran, runs forward from deep mid-wicket, and dives forward to take an excellent catch.  Odean Smith gets two wickets on his debut. WEST INDIES WIN BY 24 RUNS AND TAKE A 1-0 LEAD IN THE SERIES!

Who will bowl the last over of the innings? Odean Smith it is.

SIX! He gets a hold of this one! A juicy low full toss by Romario Shepherd. Mark Adair smokes this over long off for a biggie. 25 needed off the last over!

Another overpitched delivery, outside off. Mark Adair swings his bat hard but misses.

Very full, outside off. Mark Adair pushes it towards extra cover. No run taken.

Yorker length, outside off. Mark Adair fails to get any bat on it.

Josh Little is the last man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Romario Shepherd strikes again, he gets his third and West Indies are inching closer towards victory! A low full toss ball, around off. Craig Young smashes this towards long off but does so with the bottom half of his bat. The ball flies and goes straight to Kieron Pollard at long off. Easiest of catches for him out there.

A low full toss, on middle. Mark Adair drills it to long off for a single.