Keacy Carty’s Stunning 170 Leads West Indies to Dominant Win and Series Leveling Against Ireland

In an exhilarating showdown, Keacy Carty emerged as the star for the West Indies in the final ODI of their series against Ireland, scoring an impressive 170 runs off 142 balls. This performance not only marked his second consecutive century in the series but also helped the West Indies post a colossal total of 385 runs, their second-highest score ever in One Day Internationals. The triumph at Castle Avenue was crucial in leveling the three-match series, after a tough loss in the first game.

Match Overview

After England’s lack of cooperation with inclement weather threatening to derail the match, the rain finally gave way, allowing for a reduced 46-over chase. Unfortunately for Ireland, a batting collapse saw them crumble for just 165 runs within 30 overs, giving the visitors a comprehensive victory by 197 runs through the DLS method.

Carty’s Stellar Performance

The match began on a shaky note for the West Indies, with opener Brandon King dismissed by Barry McCarthy on just the fourth ball of the innings. Evin Lewis quickly followed suit, leaving the visitors reeling at 31 for 2. However, the introduction of Carty alongside Shai Hope transformed their fortunes. Together, they forged a brilliant 137-run partnership for the third wicket, underlining their resilience.

Shai Hope contributed significantly, scoring 75 runs off just 75 balls, but it was Carty who stole the show. His explosive innings featured 15 boundaries and eight sixes, with one of the sixes dramatically hitting a member of the production crew beyond the ropes. This display of power hitting and finesse saw him achieving the sixth-highest individual score by a West Indian in ODI history.

Team Dynamics

The West Indies continued to pile on the runs as Justin Greaves helped accelerate the scoring towards the end, smashing a rapid 50 runs off just 23 balls. However, Ireland’s bowling attack was hampered by injuries, losing debutant Jordan Neill and Josh Little mid-innings. The impact of these injuries was palpable as the Irish bowlers conceded 132 runs in the final eight overs, with Barry McCarthy ending up the first Ireland bowler to concede over 100 runs in an ODI match while taking three wickets.

Ireland’s Response

Chasing a seemingly insurmountable target, Ireland’s batting lineup faltered. The loss of Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland’s centurion from the first ODI, to an inswinger from Jayden Seales set the tone for a dismal response. Though veteran Paul Stirling tried to briefly ignite hope with a flurry of shots, including three fours and two sixes, his departure for 26 runs dashed any prospects of a competitive chase.

The highlight of Ireland’s innings came in the form of Cade Carmichael, who battled valiantly for 48 runs, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak innings that included two run-outs. With their key players sidelined and the pressure mounting, Ireland’s chase ultimately ended at 165, leaving them well short of the target.

Conclusion

Final Scores: West Indies 385/7 in 50 overs (Keacy Carty 170, Shai Hope 75; Barry McCarthy 3-100) beat Ireland 165 in 29.5 overs (Cade Carmichael 48; Jayden Seales 3-26) by 197 runs [DLS Method].