West Indies edge Ireland off the ball in T20 thriller

In the first of their three-match T20 series in St Lucia, Ireland were beaten by West Indies off the final ball which needed bowling twice after a wide levelled the scores.

Chasing 113 to win, the home side needed seven off the final over from Cara Murray who trapped Shamilia Connell leg before off the third ball.

But with two needed off the final ball, a wide levelled the scores and Shemaine Campbelle managed the required run to see the West Indies home by two wickets.

Ironically, the innings had started with two wides from Ava Canning.

Opener Hayley Matthews provided the backbone of the West Indies innings with 37 from 42 balls before becoming one of three victims for Arlene Kelly.

Matthews earlier took 3-22 as Ireland made 112-7 from their 20 overs, including opposing captain Laura Delany caught and bowled for 34. Eimear Richardson weighed in with 22.

The second match between the dides will be played on Thursday at the same venue - the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.

Congratulations to West Indies. ▪️ Ireland 112-7 (20 overs) ▪️ West Indies 113-8 (20 overs) SCORE: https://t.co/PZT27o8oqN #BackingGreen ☘️