West Indies posted their second-highest total in a T20 international and defeated Ireland by 62 runs on Sunday to win the three-match series 1-0, after the first two games were washed out.

After being put in to bat at Bready Cricket Club, the visitors unleashed an aggressive batting display, finishing on 256-5. Openers Evin Lewis and captain Shai Hope laid the foundation with a blistering 122-run stand in just 10.3 overs. Lewis smashed 91 off 44 balls, including eight sixes, while Hope contributed 51 from 27 deliveries, hitting four sixes.

Keacy Carty added to the carnage with an unbeaten 49 off just 22 balls, as West Indies launched a total of 20 sixes in their innings.

In reply, Ireland managed 194-7. Ross Adair (48 off 36) and Harry Tector (38 off 25) gave the hosts a solid start, taking the total to 114-1. However, West Indies hit back quickly, reducing Ireland to 116-4 within the next 12 balls to swing momentum firmly in their favor.

Rain had ruined the opening two games of the series, but West Indies' commanding performance in the third and final match secured them the series win.

Injured Steve Smith going with Australia to West Indies

The two teams had earlier shared a three-match ODI series 1-1 in Dublin in May. West Indies then went on to suffer a clean sweep at the hands of England in both ODI and T20 series.

Reflecting on the win, West Indies skipper Shai Hope said, “Nice to take something back to the Caribbean.”

Next up, West Indies will host Australia for a three-Test series starting June 25 in Barbados, followed by a five-match T20 series. Australia, meanwhile, recently lost the World Test Championship final to South Africa in London.

Source: With input from agency