Bristol, June 28 (IANS) Player of the Match Orla Prendergast said Ireland’s belief never faded despite a difficult tournament after her match-winning half-century guided the team to its first-ever victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a six-wicket win over West Indies at the County Ground on Saturday.

Prendergast produced a brilliant 63 off 44 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, as Ireland comfortably chased down 129 in 18.1 overs. The all-rounder also contributed in the field as Ireland completed a memorable all-round performance to end their campaign on a high.

Reflecting on the historic victory, Prendergast said the win was especially satisfying because the squad had remained confident throughout the tournament despite a series of disappointing results.

“It just means so much. We’ve had the belief throughout this tournament, and unfortunately, it hasn’t come together just yet. But the belief we all had was there constantly. So just so much relief to finally have that win and so much happiness,” Prendergast said after receiving the Player of the Match award.

Ireland had suffered a narrow defeat to New Zealand earlier in the tournament while chasing a similar target, but Prendergast said the team approached this run chase differently.

“Yeah, just a different tempo in the chase, I think. But I think they’re pretty different games, to be honest, and different conditions. Just glad today we came off,” she said.

Prendergast shared a match-defining 62-run partnership with Amy Hunter after Ireland lost captain Gaby Lewis early in the innings. She revealed that the conversations between the pair were simple and focused on batting together for as long as possible.

“Me and Amy, you don’t talk about a whole lot out there, to be honest, when we’re batting. Just keeping the partnership going. When you’re the runner, it wasn’t too much of an issue, so you just stayed there together. We knew we could put ourselves in a good position,” she said.

Before her batting heroics, Ireland’s bowlers had laid the platform by restricting West Indies to 128/7. Aimee Maguire and Cara Murray picked up two wickets each, while the fielders backed up the bowlers with an energetic display.

Prendergast believes the team’s performance in the field was one of its best of the tournament.

“Yeah, an entire performance. I think it was probably our best fielding performance to date, which is so pleasing. And yeah, I think that’s the great thing about this side, is everyone stands up on different days, and today was the definition of that day,” she said.

The all-rounder also thanked the Ireland supporters who travelled to Bristol as well as fans cheering from home, saying their backing had played an important role throughout the competition.

“Just a massive thank you. We feel their support constantly, those who are here and those who aren’t. They make such a difference, they’re really our 12th player,” Prendergast said.

Ireland’s memorable victory was built on a disciplined bowling display before Prendergast anchored the chase with a composed and aggressive innings, helping her side reach the target with 11 balls to spare and secure a landmark first Women’s T20 World Cup win.

–IANS

sds/bsk/