West Indies' Matthew Forde equalled the record for the fastest ODI half-century before rain forced the abandonment of Friday's contest against Ireland. 

Forde's role in the match began when West Indies were already on a solid footing at 246-5 in the 44th over before producing a stunning quickfire display in Dublin. 

Keacy Carty had already plundered 102 runs from his 109 deliveries, with Shai Hope (49) also chipping in before he was bowled out by Liam McCarthy (3-66). 

But with Forde at the crease, the all-rounder smashed 50 runs off just 16 balls, tying the record South African batter AB de Villiers set in 2015 against the West Indies. 

At 42 runs off 13 balls, he looked poised to break De Villiers' record for the fastest fifty, but a missed ramp shot off McCarthy delayed the milestone.

He then struck two consecutive sixes to bring up his fifty in 16 balls, matching De Villiers' iconic feat.

Forde ended with 58 off 19 balls, which included eight sixes and two fours, with Carty's second ODI century helping West Indies surge past the 300 mark, ending up 352-8. 

Illustrious company for our emerging allrounder.

A blistering knock to remember #IREvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/ybt9GeoHIa

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 23, 2025

However, the match was abandoned following a two-hour rain delay with Ireland retaining a 1-0 series lead after winning Wednesday's opener by 124 runs.

The series concludes on Sunday before the West Indies face England in three one-day games and three T20 internationals.

Following their tour of England, the West Indies return to Ireland for a three-match T20 series, which starts on 12 June in Bready.