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The third and final ODI between Ireland and West Indies is set to take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025 , at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin , starting at 3:15 PM IST . Ireland leads the series 1–0 after a dominant 124-run win in the first match, highlighted by Paul Stirling’s historic milestone of 10,000 international runs. The second match was abandoned due to rain with West Indies having scored a massive 352/8. This decider promises to be an exciting contest as Ireland looks to cement their rising status in world cricket while West Indies aim to level the series and bounce back from their heavy defeat.
Match Details
| Match | Ireland vs West Indies – Final ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | May 25, 2025 |
| Venue | Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin |
| Time | 3:15 PM IST |
| Toss Timing | Around 3:00 PM IST |
| Weather Forecast | Mild (8–16°C), Breezy, Showers Likely |
Team Preview – Ireland
Ireland enters this must-win match with confidence after a commanding 124-run victory in the first ODI. Their batting clicked well, led by Andy Balbirnie’s brilliant century (112 off 138 balls) and supported by Paul Stirling, who not only contributed with the bat but also became the first Irish player to reach 10,000 international runs. Their total of 303 proved too much for West Indies, who were bowled out for just 179.
In bowling, Barry McCarthy was the star with figures of 4/32, showcasing his ability to swing the ball and break partnerships. Josh Little added control and pressure during the middle overs, while George Dockrell provided useful support with his left-arm spin.
Despite being skittled for 0 in the rained-off second ODI, Ireland remains in a strong position to seal the series. Their home advantage at Clontarf, where they have historically performed well, gives them an edge. With a balanced squad and experienced core, Ireland has the potential to deliver another all-round performance and script history by defeating West Indies in a bilateral ODI series.
Key players like Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Barry McCarthy, and Josh Little will once again be crucial if Ireland are to clinch the series.
Team Preview – West Indies
West Indies come into this final ODI under pressure after a crushing defeat in the first match and a rain-affected no-result in the second. However, they showed signs of recovery in the second ODI, posting a mammoth 352/8. Keacy Carty was the standout performer with a well-crafted century (102 off 109 balls), while Matthew Forde smashed 58 off just 19 deliveries, equaling the record for the fastest ODI fifty by a West Indian.
Their batting lineup features depth and power, with the likes of Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd capable of accelerating the innings. Brandon King and Roston Chase provide stability in the middle order.
In bowling, Alzarri Joseph leads the pace attack with his express speed and early swing, while Gudakesh Motie offers control and variations in the middle overs. Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph add pace and aggression.
Although the team struggled in the first match, their aggressive intent and firepower make them dangerous opponents. If their bowlers click and the batters fire together, West Indies can still salvage the series. But consistency remains a concern, especially under pressure.
Favourite Team to Win Today
| Favourite Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Ireland has the momentum after a dominant win and holds a 1–0 series lead. They’re playing at home, where they’ve historically done well. Their batting and bowling both clicked in the first match, and they have the experience and familiarity with conditions. West Indies, despite a big score in the second game, lost the first match comprehensively and haven’t shown consistent form. Ireland start as slight favorites in this decider. |
Fantasy Team XI (Table + Explanation)
| Player Name | Team | Role | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Stirling | Ireland | Opener/Batsman | Captain, milestone-maker, key batsman, vital for fantasy points |
| Andy Balbirnie | Ireland | Middle Order | Century in last match, reliable and impactful |
| Keacy Carty | West Indies | Middle Order | Top scorer in last match, recorded a century |
| Matthew Forde | West Indies | Finisher | Record-equalling 58 off 19 balls, explosive finisher |
| Shai Hope | West Indies | Wicket-Keeper | Valuable wicketkeeper option, contributes with the bat |
| Barry McCarthy | Ireland | Bowler | Took 4 wickets in last match, economical and effective |
| Josh Little | Ireland | Bowler | Provides control and breakthroughs, good economy |
| Alzarri Joseph | West Indies | Bowler | Key pacer, takes early wickets |
| George Dockrell | Ireland | All-Rounder | Useful lower-order batter and left-arm spinner |
| Romario Shepherd | West Indies | All-Rounder | Valuable all-rounder, can contribute with bat and ball |
| Harry Tector | Ireland | All-Rounder | Consistent middle-order presence, occasional handy spells with the ball |
Explanation:
This Fantasy XI combines top performers from both teams. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie offer batting stability, while bowlers like Barry McCarthy and Alzarri Joseph provide wicket-taking potential. Matthew Forde and Romario Shepherd add explosive value. Don’t ignore utility players like George Dockrell and Harry Tector for balance and extra points.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
| Category | Player Name | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Paul Stirling | Ireland |
| Vice-Captain | Matthew Forde | West Indies |
Paul Stirling is your safest bet as captain—experienced opener, leading run-scorer, and in-form leader.
Matthew Forde is a high-risk, high-reward choice—smashed 58* off 19 balls in the last match, capable of turning games quickly.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player Name | Reason |
|---|---|
| Lorcan Tucker | Not contributing consistently with bat or gloves recently |
| Evin Lewis | Out of form, didn’t bowl or bat meaningfully in last match |
Lorcan Tucker hasn’t made a major impact in recent matches, while Evin Lewis has been ineffective across departments.
Team Squads
Ireland Squad
- Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Thomas Mayes, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Liam McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys
West Indies Squad
- Shai Hope (c & wk), Brandon King, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph
Probable Playing XI Table
| Ireland XI | West Indies XI |
|---|---|
| Paul Stirling (C) | Shai Hope (C & WK) |
| Andy Balbirnie | Brandon King |
| Harry Tector | Keacy Carty |
| Lorcan Tucker (WK) | Roston Chase |
| George Dockrell | Sherfane Rutherford |
| Andy McBrine | Matthew Forde |
| Thomas Mayes | Romario Shepherd |
| Barry McCarthy | Alzarri Joseph |
| Josh Little | Gudakesh Motie |
| Liam McCarthy | Jayden Seales |
| Matthew Humphreys | Shamar Joseph |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground (Castle Avenue), Dublin is generally flat and batter-friendly when dry. However, movement and seam can be expected early on due to the breeze. Spinners get some assistance later in the innings, making it a balanced track.
Average First Innings Score : ~212
Second Innings Average : ~159
Batting first gives a slight advantage, allowing teams to post a competitive total and put pressure on the chasing side.
Toss Prediction
Prediction: Toss will be won by Ireland , who will choose to bat first .
Given the historical trend and the slightly better success rate for teams batting first at this venue, the winning captain is likely to opt for setting a target and defending it under pressure.
Winner Prediction
Predicted Winner: Ireland
Ireland starts as slight favorites, buoyed by their home advantage, recent form, and a 1–0 series lead. Their all-round performance in the first match and familiarity with conditions give them an edge. While West Indies have the batting firepower to chase anything down, their inconsistency and poor showing in the first match count against them. A close finish is possible, but expect Ireland to win and seal the series .
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