*WEST INDIES WOMEN VS IRELAND WOMEN 2023 3rd ODI PREVIEW- ICC CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH*
*THE BUILD UP:*
The third and the final ODI gives both sides an opportunity to finish strong in this form of the game to be geared up for the T20 series next. The second game was washed out and it was an unfortunate viewing as a cricket fan. The Irish women were put in some trouble as they were reeling with only 36 on board for the loss of five big wickets and this game could have ended in a Windies win, but the rain gods had other plans.
The game gives WI an opportunity to seal the series and stamp their authority before the shortest format leg of the tour. They were clinical in the first ODI too, defeating Ireland by 58 runs with Hayley Mathews absolutely bucketing it down with her boundary hitting prowes and then chipping in with 3 wickets as well. Can the Irish women stun the hosts or will the Mathews led side continue to roll them over? Let’s find out.
*IRE PROBABLE XI:*
GH Lewis, O Prendergast, AN Kelly, Amy Hunter, EAJ Richardson, L Paul, L Delany(C), MV Waldron(wk), Cara Murray, S MacMahon, Ava Canning
Gaby Lewis, at the top of the order was a shining star with a well crafted 83. She was one of those lone performers from Ireland in the first ODI would with her perfect ability to anchor, she will hold key tomorrow as IRE look to level the series.
Despite finding the fence just twice against WI W in game 2, her form shown in the opening game would go along way in deciding how she plays.
The spinner, Murray, had a commendable performance in the last game, where she picked up three wickets for 60 runs in her 10 overs. Her ability to take wickets and control the run flow makes her a valuable asset and with the pitch being balanced for both batting and bowling, she could be a threatening choice and one which the WestIndies would look to play safely.
*WI PROBABLE XI:*
RS Williams, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews(C), Shemaine Campbelle(wk), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Q Joseph, SS Connell
The likes of Stephanie Taylor who bats at 3 for Windies and the all round supremacy of their captain Hayley Mathews will have to come to the fore if Windies are to finish this series off with a well resounding victory. Words aren’t enough to describe the important of Hayley to this outfit, she is not only a remarkable skipper but continues to flabbergast her home side and the cricketing world with her smartness with both bat and ball. She isn’t a specialist and her flexibility as a player is what makes the other sides envy her. The 25 year old would be raring to go out there and impress in front of her home side.
The spinner Afy Fletcher, has been in impressive form, consistently picking up wickets and making an instant impact. In the first game, she took 2 wickets for 49, showcasing her effectiveness with the ball and in what capacity she can really deceive the batters. Watch out for how she weaves her magic.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR IRE:*
Highest run getter- Gaby Lewis/Prendergast
Highest wicket taker- Cara Murray/ S MacMohan
*FOR WI:*
Highest run getter- Hayley Mathews/Stephanie Taylor
Highest wicket taker- Afy Fletcher/ SS Connell
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Windies Women to come out on top again. They will seal the series with a 2-0 drubbing against Ireland at their home ground.