Paul Stirling at the top, but who are the only 2 West Indians among the top 7 run-scorers in Ireland vs West Indies ODIs?

Paul Stirling bats in cricket
Paul Stirling has scored the most runs for Ireland against West Indies in ODIs.

As Ireland prepare to host the West Indies in a three-match ODI series in Dublin later this month, you may be wondering how often these two sides have faced each other previously.

As much as Ireland are an emerging force on the world stage, these two teams have seen quite a bit of action between them in recent years. In all, they have faced each other on 15 occasions since their first meeting in Kingston in 2007. The West Indies have won 11 of those encounters and Ireland 3, with one no result. Interestingly, however, the last two meetings between the sides ended in wins for Ireland.

Since they first met almost two decades ago, which players have dominated with the bat in West Indies versus Ireland clashes? Let’s take a look at the top seven run-scorers in this head-to-head ODI rivalry:

7. Niall O’Brien (Ireland) – 217 ODI runs from 7 innings vs West Indies

A veteran of Ireland’s rise in world cricket, Niall O’Brien was often the reliable top-order anchor against the Caribbean pace attacks. His highest score of 79*, made during the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand, helped steer Ireland to a famous win over the more fancied opponents.

Skipper William Porterfield departed for 23, but then scores from Paul Stirling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and O’Brien with an undefeated 79 saw Ireland chase down a target of 304. O’Brien’s knack for rotating strike and his strike-rate of over 80 in these matches underpinned several of Ireland’s competitive totals, and his average of 36.16 reflects his consistency over seven innings.

6. Evin Lewis (West Indies) – 217 ODI runs from 4 innings vs Ireland

West Indies opener Evin Lewis has been the explosive counterpoint to Ireland’s steady accumulators. In just four innings, he has amassed 217 runs at a blistering average of 72.33. His standout performance came in Dublin in 2022, when he smashed 102 off 97 balls, including six fours and five sixes, to help the Windies to a comfortable five wicket win.

Lewis’s aggressive approach early in the innings often dismantled Ireland’s new-ball plans, and his ability to dominate spinners in the middle overs has proven decisive. Lewis has been a bit hit and miss against Ireland – aside from his knock of 102 he also hit an undefeated 99. His other two knocks were less successful with scores of nine and seven.

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5. Ed Joyce (Ireland) – 256 ODI runs from 4 innings vs West Indies

A stylish left-hander with a sublime touch, Ed Joyce had the ability to make every run look effortless. In four innings against the West Indies, he scored 256 runs at an average of 64.00 — the second highest average among those with more than two matches.

His posted a best score against the opponents of 84, a total he registered twice, both in World Cups, once in Nelson in 2015 and the second time in Mohali in 2011. Joyce’s ability to pick gaps and play late cut shots often frustrated West Indian bowlers, making him one of Ireland’s most potent weapons in their early clashes.

4. Kevin O’Brien (Ireland) – 348 ODI runs from 12 innings vs West Indies

Kevin O’Brien is probably best remembered for his match-winning century against England at the 2011 World Cup (which at the time was the fastest in World Cup history), also shone against the West Indies.

Across 12 innings, he collected 348 runs at 29.00, a figure boosted by regular contributions rather than huge scores. His highest of 68 came in Dublin in 2019, when he fought valiantly to try and chase down a massive Windies score of 381 for three. O’Brien has passed 50 on three occasions against the West Indies.

3. Shai Hope (West Indies) – 350 ODI runs from 9 innings vs Ireland

West Indies’ elegant wicketkeeper–batsman Shai Hope has arguably been the most technically accomplished batsman in this rivalry. In nine innings, he has accumulated 350 runs at 38.88.

His superlative 170 at Dublin in 2019 is the second highest individual ODI score by any player in West Indies vs Ireland matches. Interestingly the highest score was recorded in teh same game as John Campbell smashed 179 in an opening stand of 365 with Hope.

Hope’s knock featured 22 fours and two sixes as he and Campbell steered the Windies to a score of 381 for three. His cover drives and cuts to set him apart, and his consistency has made him a key in recent years at the top of the Windies batting order.

2. Andy Balbirnie (Ireland) – 350 ODI runs from 8 innings vs West Indies

Ireland’s Andy Balbirnie has risen to the occasion whenever these two sides meet. With 350 runs from eight innings at a healthy 43.75, Balbirnie stands second on the list. His best knock of 135 came in Dublin in 2022 as Ireland reached a score of 327 for five when batting first.

Their innings was built around Balbirnie’s excellent knock and scores of 77 from Paul Stirling and 63 from Kevin O’Brien. Balbirnie’s knock wasn’t quite enough though as Sunil Ambris 148 saw the Windies chase the score down successfully. Balbirnie’s ability to accelerate from the 30th over onward has exposed tired bowlers and often eased pressure on his colleagues.

1. Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 395 ODI runs from 12 innings vs West Indies

Topping the charts is Ireland’s swashbuckling opener Paul Stirling, whose 395 runs from 12 innings have come at an average of 32.91. Stirling’s highest score of 92 in Nelson during the 2015 World Cup featured a breathtaking array of power hits—pulls, cuts, and ramps—that helped Ireland reach a score of 307 for six as they chased down the West Indies score of 304 for seven with 25 balls to spare.

His consistent strike-rate of about 90 and ability to counter-attack during the powerplay have been central to Ireland’s successes, including their first-ever ODI series win over the West Indies in 2022.

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