Ireland vs West Indies T20I Series Preview: Short Format, High Stakes in Belfast

You can feel it already—the shift in energy when T20s are on the horizon. There’s something about the shorter format that sharpens everything. No time for cautious starts or second chances. Just pressure, pace, and a lot of improvisation. And when it’s Ireland hosting the West Indies, you get a proper clash of cricketing cultures: gritty Irish tenacity against Caribbean flair.

The first T20I kicks off June 12th in Belfast, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned watching these two over the years, it’s this: never expect a quiet game.

Setting the Stage

Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club Ground isn’t your typical international stadium. It’s smaller, more intimate, but that just brings the tension closer to the surface. Expect overcast skies, a bit of zip early for seamers, and value for shots if batters find rhythm.

T20I Series Schedule

• 1st T20I: June 12, 2025 – Belfast
• 2nd T20I: June 14, 2025 – Belfast
• 3rd T20I: June 16, 2025 – Belfast

All matches begin at 3:00 PM local time (10:00 AM EST)

Confirmed Squads

Ireland

• Paul Stirling (c)
• Harry Tector
• Josh Little
• Barry McCarthy
• George Dockrell
• Lorcan Tucker (wk)
• Mark Adair
• Curtis Campher
• Gareth Delany
• Andrew McBrine
• Ross Adair
• Neil Rock
• Matthew Humphreys
• Liam McCarthy

West Indies

• Shai Hope (c)
• Brandon King
• Evin Lewis
• Roston Chase
• Justin Greaves
• Keacy Carty
• Alzarri Joseph
• Matthew Forde
• Jayden Seales
• Shamar Joseph
• Gudakesh Motie
• Jediah Blades

Odds

*Odds as of May 22, 2025. Subject to change before the match.

Players to Watch

• Paul Stirling: Ireland’s heartbeat in T20s. If he gets through the powerplay, expect fireworks.
• Josh Little: With overcast conditions and that left-arm angle, he’s the bowler the Windies should fear.
• Brandon King: He can go from 0 to 60 in a blink. If he stays in for 10 overs, Ireland’s bowlers could be chasing shadows.
• Shamar Joseph: T20s will test his control, but the raw pace and bounce are real weapons in Belfast’s conditions.

Prediction

This series is harder to call than the odds suggest. West Indies have the firepower—no question. But T20s in Ireland aren’t just about six-hitting; they’re about who adapts better to the bite in the air and the two-paced pitch.

If Ireland bowls first and the ball moves, they’ve got a real shot. But if the Windies bat first and someone like King or Lewis gets going, Ireland could be chasing ghosts.

My Pick for Game 1: Leaning West Indies, but only just. Ireland at +160 is tempting value—especially if conditions lean bowler-friendly.

T20 cricket doesn’t wait around. Every over counts. And this series, quietly tucked into the Irish summer, could end up being one of the more entertaining contests of the season.