West Indies' Forde Equals Fastest ODI Fifty Record vs Ireland

West Indies all-rounder Matthew Forde equalled the record for the fastest ODI half-century by scoring 50 runs off just 16 balls against Ireland, matching South African AB de Villiers' 2015 mark. Coming in during the 43rd over, Forde smashed eight sixes and two fours in a whirlwind 58-run knock off 19 balls, helping West Indies post a formidable total of 352-8 before rain led to the match's abandonment. His explosive innings included punishing bowlers Barry McCarthy and Josh Little, with four consecutive sixes in one over and a dominant 68-run partnership with Justin Greaves. Earlier in the innings, Keacy Carty anchored the innings with a patient century while captain Shai Hope contributed 49 runs. Despite Forde's record-equalling performance, Ireland leads the three-match series 1-0 and the final ODI is set to decide the outcome. West Indies are scheduled to face England next and will return to Ireland for a T20 series in June.