Few women’s cricket matchups have changed as quickly as Ireland Women vs West Indies Women. West Indies entered the rivalry as the more established side, but Ireland’s recent progress has made their meetings far more competitive—and 2026 produced a major turning point.
From the early ODI encounters to the 2023 World Cup qualification battles, the 2026 T20 World Cup and a three-match ODI series in Ireland, WI-W vs IRE-W has produced plenty of memorable cricket. The West Indies have historically held the advantage, but Ireland have recently shown they can beat them on the biggest stage.
This guide covers the history of Ireland W vs West Indies W, the head-to-head record, major matches, standout performances and what the latest results tell us about the rivalry.
Ireland Women vs West Indies Women: Quick Overview
The two teams first met in women’s ODI cricket in 2008, when West Indies toured Ireland. West Indies won the opening ODI in Dublin by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Since then, West Indies have generally controlled the matchup, particularly in ODI cricket.
However, Ireland’s recent results have changed the picture.
At a glance
- First ODI meeting: 2008
- First T20I meetings: 2023
- Historical ODI advantage: West Indies
- 2023 ODI Championship meetings: West Indies won both
- 2025 World Cup Qualifier: West Indies won by 6 runs
- 2026 T20I tri-series: Ireland and West Indies won one match each
- 2026 T20 World Cup: Ireland won by 6 wickets
- 2026 ODI series: West Indies won 3–0
Cricket Ireland noted before the 2026 ODI series that the teams had previously met 12 times in ODIs, with West Indies winning 10, Ireland winning one and one match producing no result.
The Early Ireland W vs West Indies W Encounters
The first official ODI between the teams came on June 24, 2008, at Observatory Lane in Dublin.
Ireland were bowled out for 123 in a rain-affected match. West Indies reached 93/5 from 17.1 overs while chasing a revised target of 90, winning by five wickets with 17 balls remaining. Deandra Dottin was named Player of the Match.
At the time, Ireland were still developing their presence in women’s international cricket, while West Indies were already an established international side.
That difference in experience was reflected in the results.
For Ireland, however, these early fixtures were valuable. Playing against a team of West Indies’ quality offered an opportunity to test their batting depth, bowling options and ability to handle pressure.
West Indies vs Ireland: The Gap Starts to Narrow
For many years, West Indies remained the stronger team in this matchup.
The Caribbean side possessed players capable of changing games with either bat or ball. Ireland, meanwhile, gradually built a competitive core around players such as Laura Delany, Gaby Lewis and later Orla Prendergast.
The rivalry became particularly interesting once Ireland started playing more regularly against higher-ranked opponents.
Rather than simply trying to stay competitive, Ireland began entering these games expecting to challenge.
2023: A Busy Year for Ireland Women vs West Indies Women
The 2023 season was an important chapter in the Ireland women’s national cricket team vs West Indies women rivalry.
The teams met twice in the ICC Women’s Championship before playing a three-match T20I series in the Caribbean.
June 2023: West Indies dominate the ODI meetings
The first ODI Championship match was played at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on June 26.
West Indies scored 297/6, while Ireland were dismissed for 239. West Indies won by 58 runs.
A few days later, the teams met again.
West Indies made 204/4 and Ireland were bowled out for 203, giving the hosts a one-run victory.
That second match was particularly painful for Ireland because they had pushed West Indies all the way to the final stages.
2023 ODI results
| Match | Result |
| 1st ODI | West Indies won by 58 runs |
| 2nd ODI | West Indies won by 1 run |
| Series | West Indies won 2–0 |
The one-run result demonstrated that the teams were becoming more evenly matched, even though West Indies still had the upper hand.
July 2023: West Indies Sweep the T20I Series
The teams stayed in the Caribbean for a three-match T20I series.
West Indies won all three matches.
1st T20I
West Indies scored 113/8 before Ireland were restricted to 112/7.
West Indies won by 2 wickets.
2nd T20I
Ireland were held to 113/7.
West Indies chased the target with plenty to spare, winning by 8 wickets.
3rd T20I
Ireland were again unable to stop the West Indies batting lineup.
West Indies reached 120/2 while Ireland had made 116/9, giving the hosts an 8-wicket victory.
The three-match sweep showed that West Indies were still comfortably ahead in the shortest format at that stage.
2025 World Cup Qualifier: Ireland Push West Indies Again
The next major meeting came during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Lahore.
This time, Ireland came extremely close to producing a major upset.
West Indies made 181/6 from 33 overs in the rain-affected match. Ireland responded with 175 and were dismissed with 10 balls remaining.
West Indies won by just 6 runs. Hayley Matthews took four wickets for 24 runs, playing a major role in defending the total.
The result was another example of a recurring pattern in West Indies vs Ireland cricket: Ireland could stay in the contest for long periods, but West Indies often found the decisive moment.
2026: The Rivalry Takes a New Turn
If one year deserves special attention in the history of Ireland Women vs West Indies Women, it is 2026.
The teams met repeatedly across different competitions, and Ireland finally began turning close contests into wins.
Before the ODI series, the two sides played twice in Ireland’s T20 tri-series. Cricket Ireland reported that they shared those matches one win apiece.
That was only the beginning.
2026 T20I Tri-Series: Ireland Finally Beat West Indies
The first T20I between the teams in the tri-series was played at Castle Avenue in Dublin on May 28.
West Indies chased down Ireland’s 103 all out, reaching 104/2 and winning by 8 wickets.
Ireland responded in their next meeting on June 1.
West Indies made 141/8, but Ireland successfully chased a revised target and won by just one run under the DLS method.
Orla Prendergast was named Player of the Match.
That was a landmark moment.
Ireland had finally defeated West Indies in a senior women’s international match.
2026 Women’s T20 World Cup: Ireland Produce a Historic Win
The momentum continued into the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Ireland and West Indies met at the County Ground in Bristol on June 27.
West Indies scored 128/7 from 20 overs.
Ireland then chased the target brilliantly, reaching 129/4 in 18.1 overs to win by six wickets.
It was arguably the biggest result yet in the Ireland W vs West Indies W rivalry.
Ireland had gone from repeatedly falling short against West Indies to defeating them in consecutive T20I meetings.
Match snapshot
West Indies Women: 128/7
Ireland Women: 129/4
Result: Ireland won by 6 wickets
Venue: County Ground, Bristol
Date: June 27, 2026
The result also gave Ireland an important World Cup boost and showed that their improvement was not limited to home conditions.
Ireland Women vs West Indies Women: 2026 ODI Series
Just a few weeks later, the teams began a three-match ODI series at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland.
Cricket Ireland announced the fixtures for July 10, 12 and 15 as Ireland’s first matches in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle.
Unlike the T20 World Cup, however, the ODI series went decisively in West Indies’ favor.
First ODI: West Indies win by 9 wickets
Ireland scored 269 all out.
West Indies responded with 270/1 in only 38.4 overs, winning by 9 wickets with 68 balls remaining.
Hayley Matthews produced a spectacular innings of 159 from 123 balls, turning the chase into a one-sided affair.
The performance was a reminder that West Indies still possessed a significant advantage in 50-over cricket.
Second ODI: West Indies Seal the Series
Ireland made 241/7 in the second ODI.
West Indies chased the target comfortably, reaching 242/4 in 38.5 overs to win by 6 wickets.
The match featured centuries from two West Indies greats.
Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor both reached three figures, with Taylor’s century particularly notable as she scored 100 from 105 balls.
The victory gave West Indies an unassailable 2–0 series lead with one match remaining.
Third ODI: West Indies Complete a 3–0 Sweep
Ireland had one final opportunity to claim an ODI victory.
West Indies batted first and scored 257 from their 50 overs.
Ireland’s chase ended at 193 in 43.1 overs, giving West Indies a 64-run victory and a clean sweep of the series.
The result created an interesting contrast.
Ireland had beaten West Indies twice in T20Is during 2026, including at the T20 World Cup. West Indies then responded by winning all three ODIs.
Ireland W vs West Indies W: Recent Results
Here’s a useful snapshot of the most important recent meetings:
| Date | Competition | Result |
| Feb 2023 | T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 6 runs |
| Jun 2023 | ODI Championship | West Indies won by 58 runs |
| Jul 2023 | ODI Championship | West Indies won by 1 run |
| Jul 2023 | 1st T20I | West Indies won by 2 wickets |
| Jul 2023 | 2nd T20I | West Indies won by 8 wickets |
| Jul 2023 | 3rd T20I | West Indies won by 8 wickets |
| Apr 2025 | World Cup Qualifier | West Indies won by 6 runs |
| May 2026 | T20I Tri-Series | West Indies won by 8 wickets |
| Jun 2026 | T20I Tri-Series | Ireland won by 1 run |
| Jun 2026 | T20 World Cup | Ireland won by 6 wickets |
| Jul 2026 | 1st ODI | West Indies won by 9 wickets |
| Jul 2026 | 2nd ODI | West Indies won by 6 wickets |
| Jul 2026 | 3rd ODI | West Indies won by 64 runs |
The results show the rivalry’s changing character. West Indies remain the stronger ODI team, but Ireland have made significant progress in T20 cricket.
Ireland Women’s National Cricket Team vs West Indies Women: Head-to-Head
The format makes a major difference.
ODI cricket
Before the July 2026 series, the teams had played 12 ODIs, with:
- West Indies wins: 10
- Ireland wins: 1
- No result: 1
After West Indies won all three ODIs in July 2026, their overall ODI record moved to 13 wins, with Ireland on 1 win and one no-result.
That is a substantial historical advantage.
T20I cricket
The T20I picture has changed dramatically.
Before the 2026 tri-series, West Indies had won their first eight T20I meetings with Ireland. Ireland then won two of their three T20Is against West Indies in 2026—the June 1 tri-series game and the T20 World Cup match.
That means West Indies still lead the T20I head-to-head, but Ireland have clearly narrowed the gap.
Why West Indies vs Ireland Matches Are Interesting
There are several reasons this matchup has become worth following.
1. Contrasting cricketing styles
West Indies traditionally bring power, athleticism and attacking batting.
Ireland tend to rely on discipline, smart bowling changes, hard running and collective performances.
That contrast can make the tactical battle fascinating.
2. Hayley Matthews factor
Hayley Matthews has become one of the defining players in modern West Indies cricket.
Her 159 in the first ODI of the 2026 series showed just how quickly she can take a game away from an opposition.
3. Ireland’s growing confidence
The most important change is psychological.
Ireland are no longer simply trying to keep the score respectable. Their 2026 T20I wins showed that they now have the confidence and skill to defeat West Indies.
4. Different formats, different outcomes
The 2026 results are a perfect example.
T20Is: Ireland won two of three meetings.
ODIs: West Indies won all three.
That tells us the teams are closer in T20 cricket than their long-term ODI records suggest.
Key Players to Watch in Ireland W vs West Indies W
Hayley Matthews
Matthews is arguably the biggest match-winner in the current West Indies lineup.
She can change a match with either discipline, and her 159 in the 2026 first ODI underlined her importance. She also scored a century in the second ODI.
Stafanie Taylor
One of the most experienced players in women’s cricket, Taylor remains an important figure for West Indies.
Her century in the second ODI of the 2026 series demonstrated that experience still matters enormously in pressure situations.
Gaby Lewis
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis has become one of the central figures in the team’s batting lineup.
Her leadership is particularly important as Ireland attempt to turn their recent T20 improvement into consistent results across formats.
Orla Prendergast
Prendergast has become another important part of Ireland’s all-round strength.
She was named Player of the Match when Ireland beat West Indies by one run in the 2026 tri-series.
What the 2026 Results Tell Us About the Rivalry
The 2026 season provides perhaps the clearest picture yet of where these teams stand.
In T20 cricket, Ireland are closing the gap
Ireland defeated West Indies in Dublin and then again at the T20 World Cup in Bristol.
Those are significant results because they came against the same opponent within a short period and under different conditions.
In ODI cricket, West Indies remain ahead
The three-match ODI series was much more one-sided.
West Indies won every game, including two victories by comfortable margins and a third by 64 runs.
The gap is therefore format-specific
This is perhaps the most important takeaway.
Ireland’s T20 cricket has developed quickly, but West Indies still possess a considerable advantage in 50-over cricket.
That could change as Ireland gain more experience in the ICC Women’s Championship and play more regular ODI cricket.
Where to Watch Ireland Women vs West Indies Women
For anyone searching for Ireland Women vs West Indies Women live coverage, the broadcaster depends on the tournament and your location.
ICC events such as the Women’s T20 World Cup, coverage is distributed through the tournament’s official broadcast and streaming partners.
For bilateral series in Ireland, Cricket Ireland generally provides fixture information and broadcast details through its official channels. The West Indies Cricket Board also provides series and match information.
Because broadcasting rights can change between tournaments, always check the official competition or cricket board listing for the specific match.
For fans who cannot access live video, official scorecards and match centres are usually the best alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ireland Women first play West Indies Women?
The teams first met in women’s ODI cricket in 2008. West Indies won the first meeting in Dublin by five wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Who has won more Ireland Women vs West Indies Women matches?
West Indies have historically won considerably more matches. Before the July 2026 ODI series, West Indies had won 10 of the 12 previous ODIs, while Ireland had one victory and one no-result.
Has Ireland Women ever beaten West Indies Women?
Yes. Ireland defeated West Indies in the 2026 T20I tri-series, winning by one run under the DLS method. They then beat West Indies again at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup by six wickets.
When did Ireland Women first beat West Indies Women?
Ireland’s first senior women’s international victory over West Indies came on June 1, 2026, during the T20I tri-series in Dublin. Ireland won by one run using the DLS method.
Who won the 2026 Ireland Women vs West Indies Women ODI series?
West Indies won the three-match ODI series 3–0. They won the first ODI by nine wickets, the second by six wickets and the third by 64 runs.
Who scored 159 for West Indies against Ireland in 2026?
Hayley Matthews scored 159 from 123 balls in the first ODI at Bready on July 10, 2026. West Indies won that match by nine wickets.
Did Ireland beat West Indies at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup?
Yes. Ireland chased West Indies’ 128/7 and reached 129/4 in 18.1 overs, winning by six wickets at Bristol.
What is the biggest difference between the teams?
Historically, West Indies have had the stronger record, particularly in ODI cricket. Ireland’s recent improvement has been most visible in T20 cricket, where their 2026 victories show that the gap is narrowing.
What does WI-W vs IRE-W mean?
WI-W vs IRE-W is the abbreviated cricket notation for West Indies Women vs Ireland Women. Similarly, IRE-W vs WI-W means Ireland Women vs West Indies Women.
Conclusion: Ireland Women vs West Indies Women Is Getting Closer
The story of Ireland Women vs West Indies Women is no longer simply about a dominant team against a developing one.
West Indies still have the stronger historical record, particularly in ODI cricket. Their 3–0 ODI series victory in July 2026 made that clear. But Ireland’s back-to-back T20I wins in June 2026—including a victory at the Women’s T20 World Cup—show that the balance is beginning to shift in the shortest format.
For fans following WI-W vs IRE-W, Ireland W vs West Indies W is becoming a matchup worth watching rather than a predictable fixture. The emergence of players such as Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast alongside established West Indies stars such as Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor gives the contest plenty of character.
The next step for Ireland is consistency. If they can translate their T20 success into more regular ODI victories, the long-standing West Indies vs Ireland rivalry could become considerably more competitive across all formats.