Windies win a thriller

Sheldon Cottrell blasted a six off the penultimate ball to give the West Indies a thrilling one-wicket victory over Ireland in the second one-day international at Kensington Oval on Thursday.

Cottrell, best known for his fast bowling where wickets are celebrated with a flamboyant military salute, carted Mark Adair over cover for the winning runs as the home side lived on their nerves to finish on 242-9.

Victory gave the West Indies a 2-0 lead in the three-game series after winning the opener at the same ground on Tuesday by five wickets.

Despite Cottrell’s headline-stealing flourish, it was fellow tail-ender Hayden Walsh who was his team’s saviour.

In just his seventh one-dayer, Walsh, who started his international career last year playing for the United States, finished undefeated on 46.

The third and final game is Sunday in Grenada.

Scores in brief

Ireland: 237 for 9 in 50 overs (Stirling 63, Singh 34; Joseph 4-32, Cottrell 3-51)

West Indies: 242 for 9 in 49.5 overs (Pooran 52, Walsh 46 not out, Pollard 40; Singh 3-48)

Result: West Indies won by one wicket and lead 3-match series 2-0.

Player-of-the-match: Alzarri Joseph.