The West Indies women's team secured a thrilling nine-wicket victory over Ireland in the first one-day international at Bready, with captain Hayley Matthews putting on a spectacular show. Matthews scored an impressive 159 runs off 123 balls, which is the second-highest by a West Indies women's player in ODI history. Her innings was supported by Realeanna Grimmond, who scored 91 runs before being caught by Amy Hunter.
The hosts, Ireland, made a strong start despite losing the toss and captain Gaby Lewis for 39. However, they struggled to maintain their momentum, losing key wickets including Hunter, who was bowled by Afy Fletcher for 96. The West Indies bowling attack, led by Fletcher and Matthews, was too strong for Ireland, restricting them to 269 in 49 overs.
The West Indies batswomen, led by Matthews, dominated the match with the bat, cruising to a nine-wicket victory. Matthews played the final eight balls of her knock alongside Stafanie Taylor, who holds the record for the highest score by a West Indies women's player in ODI history with 177 runs. The West Indies can now clinch the three-game series on Sunday at Bready.