Women’s World Cup qualifier: Ireland’s hopes look remote after six-run loss to West Indies

As was the case against Pakistan, Ireland started well in their reply as Amy Hunter and captain Gaby Lewis put on 57 for the opening wicket.

However, the skipper was then bowled by West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for 17 and three further wickets fell over the next six overs as the Irish slipped to 80-4.

These included the departure of top scorer Hunter for 48 as she was bowled by Afy Fletcher.

Knocks of 32 and 26 from former skipper Laura Delany and Christina Coulter Reilly moved the Irish to within 36 of their target before they were both dismissed by Aaliyah Alleyne.

After Ava Canning and Jane Maguire departed in successive balls to Matthews to leave Ireland on 156-9, Arlene Kelly and Cara Murray got them to within seven runs of victory with an impressive partnership of 19.

However, Matthews ended the contest by dismissing Kelly for 18 with Henry taking the catch as West Indies claimed a vital victory after their defeat by Scotland on Wednesday.

Matthews’ century wasn’t enough for West Indies in midweek but her bowling figures of 4-24 from 6.2 overs proved the decisive contribution in Friday’s match against Ireland’s women, who face Bangladesh next on Sunday, 13 April.

Pakistan top the table with two wins from two matches after beating Scotland by six wickets.