Mathew Forde smashes joint-fastest half-century

Matthew Forde equalled the record for the fastest half-century in the history of one-day internationals before rain intervened at Clontarf on Friday and forced the abandonment of Ireland's second 50-overs match against the West Indies.

All-rounder Forde launched a sensational assault on the Ireland attack, smashing eight sixes — several into the nearby gardens — as he reached the mark from 16 balls, a feat only previously achieved by South African batter AB de Villiers.

Josh Little suffered the brunt of the brutality, being hit for four maximums in one over as the Windies tail took full advantage of the small boundaries at Castle Avenue to plunder 98 from the final six overs and post a mighty 352-8.

Liam McCarthy was the pick of the Ireland attack, again bowling with good pace and claiming his first international wicket in his second match when he found an edge from West Indian captain Shai Hope.

The Railway Union speedster also had Keacy Carty caught behind for 102 and ended Forde's rampage on 58 by knocking out his leg stump with a yorker, as he returned figures of 3-66.

Rain then prevented the start of the reply, allowing the Boys in Green to escape with a share of the spoils and take a 1-0 lead into Sunday's final game of the series.