IRE vs WI 2025, 1st T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips and Pitch Report | Ireland vs West Indies

After a bruising and morale-sapping white-ball tour of England, the West Indies return to the field with a point to prove. On June 12, they kick off a three-match T20I series against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast—a venue known for its picturesque charm and occasionally treacherous weather. But for the Windies, this tour is far more than just another assignment. It’s about redemption, rebuilding, and reasserting their identity in the shortest format, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 looming on the horizon.

Ireland, on the other hand, are a team on the rise. Quietly but steadily, they’ve developed a gritty T20I core led by the ever-reliable Paul Stirling and bolstered by emerging stars like Harry Tector. Playing at home and smelling vulnerability in their opponents, Ireland won’t just be looking to compete—they’ll want to win.

Setting the Scene: After England, a Reset in Belfast

The West Indies’ recent tour of England was nothing short of a debacle. A clean sweep in both ODIs and T20Is left the Caribbean side visibly shaken. Their batting was erratic, the bowling lacked venom, and decision-making under pressure was poor. In a team filled with flair but often lacking consistency, the spotlight now turns to how quickly they can bounce back.

Facing Ireland provides a unique opportunity. Though not traditionally viewed as a heavyweight, the Irish team has made a habit of punching above their weight in recent years. The conditions in Belfast, which can resemble English surfaces with their seam-friendly early overs, will once again challenge the Windies’ adaptability and patience.

IRE vs WI 1st T20I – Match Overview

• Date: June 12, 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT | 3:00 PM LOCAL

• Venue: Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast

Pitch & Conditions Report: Balanced But Weather Could Interfere

The Civil Service Cricket Club pitch is known to be a well-rounded surface. In early overs, especially under cloud cover, seamers get plenty of assistance. As the game wears on, the ball tends to come on better, aiding stroke play. Spinners can extract grip in the second half, but it’s usually not a rank turner.

• First innings score average: Around 160

• Toss factor: With possible weather interruptions, the captain winning the toss may opt to bowl first, banking on DLS coming into play or maximizing swing conditions upfront.

Weather forecasts indicate overcast skies with intermittent light showers—a scenario where early wickets can dictate the outcome.

Recent Head-to-Head: All Square in History

In T20Is, there’s surprisingly little separating these two sides.

• Matches Played: 8

• West Indies Wins: 3

• Ireland Wins: 3

• No Result: 2

This stat isn’t just trivia—it reflects how tightly contested the rivalry has been in this format. For a team like Ireland, who often get overshadowed by bigger names, matching the two-time T20 World Cup champions blow-for-blow is no small feat.

Key Players to Watch – Ireland

Paul Stirling (Captain)

Ireland’s heartbeat in white-ball cricket. With vast experience and an aggressive style, Stirling’s powerplay contributions often dictate Ireland’s tempo. Against a shaky West Indian bowling unit, he’ll look to stamp his authority early.

Harry Tector

Arguably Ireland’s most promising batting prospect. He’s composed, technically sound, and has a knack for scoring under pressure. If the Windies go short or erratic, Tector will be ready to pounce.

Mark Adair

The seam-bowling all-rounder is central to Ireland’s plans, particularly in Belfast-like conditions. Expect him to move the ball both ways and provide vital breakthroughs.

Joshua Little

A proven T20 performer with IPL experience under his belt, Little’s left-arm pace can be lethal in the powerplay and at the death.

Key Players to Watch – West Indies

Shai Hope (Captain & Wicketkeeper)

Known for his stability in ODIs, Hope has been working to adapt to T20Is more effectively. As captain and senior-most batter, he’ll be tasked with guiding the innings, especially if early wickets fall.

Evin Lewis

A natural aggressor, Lewis is coming off a lean patch but remains one of the most dangerous powerplay hitters in the world. A quick 30-40 from him can set the tone.

Shimron Hetmyer

The elegant yet explosive left-hander is a potential game-changer. If he gets going in the middle overs, expect fireworks.

Jason Holder & Alzarri Joseph

Holder brings experience and calm with both bat and ball, while Joseph’s raw pace and bounce can rattle even the best. Their contribution, especially in the middle overs, will be pivotal.

Tactical Preview

Ireland Strategy

• Bowl full and straight early to Lewis and Charles—target the stumps.

• Use Adair and Little to swing the new ball and exploit any early impatience from the Windies top order.

• Spin in the middle overs through Dockrell or Delany to challenge Hetmyer and Powell.

• Batting-wise, aim for partnerships around Stirling and Tector—keep wickets in hand for a final surge.

West Indies Strategy

• Let Joseph attack in the powerplay with aggressive fields.

• Use Holder’s variations against Stirling and rotate bowlers quickly to unsettle Irish batters.

• Bat cautiously in the first six, then let Hetmyer and Powell go hard from overs 8–15.

• Don’t underestimate Dockrell’s control and Tector’s ability to play spin.

Dream11 Fantasy Preview

Here’s a Dream11 fantasy breakdown based on current form, role clarity, and pitch conditions.

Top Picks

Wicketkeepers:

• Shai Hope (WI) – Consistent and a stabilizer

• Lorcan Tucker (IRE) – A solid striker and often bats in the top order

Batters:

• Evin Lewis (WI) – Boom-or-bust but capable of match-winning knocks

• Paul Stirling (IRE) – Dependable and in-form

• Rovman Powell (WI) – Explosive finisher

All-rounders:

• Harry Tector (IRE) – Captain material on form alone

• Mark Adair (IRE) – Offers value with both bat and ball

• Romario Shepherd (WI) – Utility man who contributes everywhere

Bowlers:

• Alzarri Joseph (WI) – Raw pace, key powerplay threat

• Joshua Little (IRE) – Death bowling specialist

• Jason Holder (WI) – Smart operator and handy bat

Captain/Vice-Captain Choices

• Option 1: Shai Hope (C), Harry Tector (VC)

• Option 2: Evin Lewis (C), Paul Stirling (VC)

Backups/Substitutes

• George Dockrell

• Barry McCarthy

• Johnson Charles

• Sherfane Rutherford

Squads

Ireland Squad:

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Ross Adair, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Benjamin White, Joshua Little, Liam McCarthy

West Indies Squad:

Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Matthew Forde, Keacy Carty, Jyd Goolie

What’s at Stake?

For the West Indies, this series is more than just another fixture—it’s about pride, cohesion, and survival in a rapidly evolving T20 landscape. With the 2026 T20 World Cup drawing closer, they need to find answers: who will anchor their top order? Can their bowling unit consistently defend totals? Is their leadership structure effective?

For Ireland, the series represents a golden opportunity. A home win against a former T20 world champion would not only boost morale but also improve their ranking and push the case for more frequent fixtures against top-tier opposition.

Predicted XI

Ireland

1. Paul Stirling (c)

2. Lorcan Tucker (wk)

3. Harry Tector

4. Gareth Delany

5. George Dockrell

6. Curtis Campher

7. Mark Adair

8. Joshua Little

9. Barry McCarthy

10. Craig Young

11. Benjamin White

West Indies

1. Evin Lewis

2. Johnson Charles

3. Shai Hope (c/wk)

4. Shimron Hetmyer

5. Rovman Powell

6. Romario Shepherd

7. Jason Holder

8. Akeal Hosein

9. Alzarri Joseph

10. Gudakesh Motie

11. Matthew Forde

Final Word

The opening T20I in Belfast isn’t just the beginning of a series—it’s the start of a redemption arc for West Indies, and a giant-killing opportunity for Ireland. With balanced squads, intriguing head-to-head history, and the possibility of rain adding further drama, fans can expect a tightly contested and emotionally charged encounter.

Cricket may have shorter formats now, but the implications of these three games are long-term—for both nations.

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