West Indies’ Forde equals fastest ODI fifty record of De Villiers

DUBLIN: West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde equalled AB de Villiers’s record for the fastest one-day international half-century before Friday’s match against Ireland in Dublin was abandoned due to rain.

Forde reached 50 in just 16 deliveries, matching the mark set by South Africa’s De Villiers, one of the outstanding limited-overs batsmen of his generation, in 2015.

In all, Forde struck eight sixes and two fours in a 19-ball 58 as West Indies piled up an imposing 352-8 in their 50 overs.

Keacy Carty had earlier hit 13 fours and a six during a less spectacular 102 off 109 deliveries.

Liam McCarthy led Ireland’s attack with 3-66, while Barry McCarthy and Josh Little took two wickets each.

But the match was abandoned without Ireland even starting their reply following a two-hour rain delay.

Ireland lead the three-match series 1-0 after their 124-run win on Wednesday, with the two sides set to meet again in the finale on Sunday.

Brief score:

West Indies 352-8, 50 overs (K. Carty 102, M Forde 58; L McCarthy 3-66) v Ireland

Result: No result (rain)

Series: Ireland lead three-match series 1-0