Rain wins after Carty's hundred and Forde's record-equalling fifty
West Indies posted a mammoth 352 for 8 but rain didn't allow Ireland's chase to begin
West Indies posted a mammoth 352 for 8 but rain didn't allow Ireland's chase to begin
Scorer: K Vairavan | Commentator: Abhimanyu Bose
5:25pm: Well, the rain hasn't abated and the game has been called off. It's a pity though because it was shaping up to be a cracker of a match as West Indies staged a strong comeback and aimed for parity in the series. Persistent drizzle has forced the umpires to call off the game. Thank you for your company and feedback. See you on Sunday for the third ODI. Until then, it's goodbye from Abhimanyu Bose and the rest of the team at ESPNcricinfo
Matthew Forde equals AB de Villiers' record of fastest ODI fifty
5:20pm: The umpires are out with their umbrellas, having a word with what looks like the head groundsman. The outfield's in pretty good shape, not a puddle in sight. Paul Stirling is following the umpires along with Shai Hope. The inspection's done and they're all heading off the field now. Super Soppers are still in full operation
5:09pm: : Live pictures show thick cloud cover with the pitch and surrounding area under covers. It's still drizzling but the Super Soppers are doing their rounds on the outfield. All hope is not lost just yet. There's a 50% chance of rain predicted throughout the day. Let's see if we're fortunate enough to get at least a truncated affair
Bill Tong: "Glorious sunshine here in Barbados! Have gone through 3 packs of Jerky in the break and 2 scotch eggs! Maybe I'll finish my fridge before we get anymore cricket" That's one way to pass time! Sounds like we've got a foodaholic in the house. Hope there's still something left in the fridge if play resumes!
4.50 There is some movement on the field, with some soppers on. Maybe it's some positive news. And maybe Rvel will bring some luck with him as he takes over the comms box.
4.15pm Nothing new to update. Covers still in place.
In the lead-up to the World Test Championship final next month, we're trying to identify the greatest Test of the 21st century with your help. Our latest round pits the final-day drama in Colombo in 2006 against the 2001 classic in Kolkata, and Dravid's Adelaide heroics against Herath's defence of the Galle fortress. Cast your vote now and help us decide!
3.55pm According to weather forecasts, it is highly unlikely we get any more play today. But let's keep our fingers, toes and everything else that is crossable, crossed, that we get some cricket. The TV commentator says that play has to start at 6pm local to get in a 20-over chase, but it's persistently raining right now.
3.40pm It's still raining, so we have to keep waiting. We will update you with resumption time, loss of overs, etc as soon as we have any information! The on-screen commentators have said that overs will be reduced, but we don't have official confirmation yet.
Saad Kutesra : "Still raining in Dublin?" -- that does seem to be the case.
B553763807: "So great to see Abhimanyu fledgling as a commentator as well as a columnist. I religiously read everything you write, mate!" -- Thank you, and hope to keep delivering quality content!
ICYMI: Keacy Carty scored his second ODI century, but that was almost overshadowed by Matthew Forde, who equalled AB de Villiers' record for the fastest ODI fifty.
Matthew: "100 for Bennett at Trent Bridge!" -- Indeed! A player I really enjoy watching and it's a huge moment for him! Fastest Test century for Zimbabwe, as well brought up with three consecutive boundaries.
3.10pm More covers are being brought on now. It's windy as well, making it tougher work for the groundstaff. The on-screen commentators confirm that the rain has gotten heavier.
3.05pm It's official. We have a rain delay. It's a light rain as of now, but more covers are coming on now. So we have to wait. There is more cricketing action on at the moment. Brian Bennett is nearing century as Zimbabwe look to fight back in their Test against England, and today's IPL game between RCB and SRH has also just started.
2.55pm There is a slight drizzle as the camera picks up more droplets. We'll find out soon if we will start on time or not. While we wait, I just want to make a note of how Forde played anchor in the first ODI when West Indies were in trouble, but then today he played a completely different kind of innings to take West Indies above 350 when at one point it looked like they would have to make do with a score in the 300-320 range.
2.52pm We are around 13 minutes away from the start of the second innings. The pitch is under covers, and there are a few droplets on the camera, indicating there are signs of rain. Let's hope it's nothing major.
Deepak Gupta: "2 predictions done - WI batted 1st and scored 350. Now 1 prediction is remaining - Ireland to win on last ball with 1 wicket" -- Let's see if the hosts can fight back!
97 runs off the last 37 deliveries! West Indies' acceleration was unbelievable. They gorged and feasted on runs until they dripped down their chins. Keacy Carty laid the foundation with a well-orchestrated hundred, receiving solid support from Shai Hope, who chipped in with a composed 49. From there, Justin Greaves took over the mantle, hammering a brisk 44. But the real game-changer was Matthew Forde's knock, whose record-breaking fifty propelled the score past 300. A little cherry on top from Gudakesh Motie helped them post a formidable 352 on the board. It was a forgettable outing for the bowlers especially Josh Little, who was tonked all over the park and looked helpless. Liam McCarthy was also expensive. It'll take a string of solid partnerships to get close to this total. Abhimanyu will be back with the chase. Stay tuned!
G Motie b Little 18 (14m 8b 0x4 2x6) SR: 225
West Indies posted a mammoth 352 for 8 but rain didn't allow Ireland's chase to begin