West Indies vs Ireland
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West Indies lock horns with Ireland in the second ODI of the three-match series on Thursday at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Both teams fought hard but it was West Indies who emerged victoriously. Batting first, West Indies managed 269 runs in the first innings.

Given the start they had, it never looked like they would end up reaching a 250-plus total. Openers, Shai Hope (29 off 44) and Justin Greaves (7 off 24) didn’t play big knocks, while the likes of Pooran (13 off 24) and Roston Chase (1 off 4) also failed to hit the straps. West Indies had lost four wickets for just 62 runs inside 19 overs.

Shamarh Brooks
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However, what followed was an outstanding partnership between skipper Kieron Pollard and Shamarh Brooks. The duo took their time and paced their inning wonderfully. They began their innings cautiously before unleashing themselves and ripping apart Ireland’s bowling unit.

Pollard and Greaves added 155 runs for the fifth wicket and helped West Indies get back into the game. Pollard played a vital knock of 69 runs in 66 balls, while Shamarh Brooks went on to play a sensational knock of 93 runs off 89 deliveries, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. However, once the duo got out, wickets fell in a cluster and West Indies eventually managed to score 269 runs in the first innings.

Andrew Balbirnie
Andrew Balbirnie. Image-Sky Sports.

In pursuit of the total, Ireland lost William Porterfield on a duck in just the second over of the innings. However, that was the only wicket West Indies could manage to pick until the next 34 overs.

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie played an outstanding 71-run knock off 94 balls. He stitched vital partnerships between Andy McBrine (34 off 50) and Harry Tector (53 off 68 balls) before getting out in the 38th over off Romario Shepherd. McBirne got retired hurt prior to that, while Harry Tector got out in the 39th over, which led to West Indies getting back into the game.

Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, and Alzarri Joseph then picked wickets in short intervals to deny Ireland of building further partnerships. Ireland, as a result of that, were bundled out for 245 runs in the second innings. Romario Shepherd starred with the ball as he picked 3 wickets for 50 runs in 9 overs. Alzarri Joseph too picked 3 wickets, while Odean Smith returned with two wickets to his name.

WI vs IRE: Weather Forecast and Pitch Report at The Sabina Park Stadium, Jamaica, West Indies vs Ireland- 2o22, 2nd ODI

Paul Sterling
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Pitch Report  

The pitch at Sabina Park has an equal amount of assistance for both the batsmen and the bowlers. The bowlers can reap rewards if they manage to consistently bowl at good lengths.

The batsmen too can score big knocks once they spend the initial period and get set in the middle. The first ODI of the series was also played at this ground. West Indies scored 269 runs in the first innings. In pursuit of the total, Ireland were bowled out for 245 runs in the second innings. The team that wins the toss will look to bat first on this surface.

Weather Report

The second ODI on Thursday is expected to have overcast conditions. Rain is likely to interrupt in short intervals between the match. The temperature is likely to range between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius.