Prendergast starred with both bat and ball, claiming two wickets before smashing 71 off 46 deliveries as Ireland secured their first-ever T20I victory over the West Indies. The result lifted the hosts to the top of the tri-series standings and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Cup, which begins on June 12.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having played a leading role in the historic triumph, Prendergast admitted she is relishing the prospect of carrying that form onto the global stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI'm definitely feeling good ahead of the World Cup, so just looking forward to get going over there,\u201d she said after receiving the Player of the Match award.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland's success was made even more significant by the circumstances surrounding it. The hosts had suffered an eight-wicket defeat to the same opponents in the opening match of the tri-series but responded emphatically to level the score and underline the progress they have made as a group.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prendergast pointed to the team's character and ability to recover from setbacks as one of its greatest strengths as she said, \u201cIt's something we speak about so much as a group is our resilience and ability to bounce back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That resilience was evident throughout a contest in which Ireland were tested by both a competitive West Indies total of 141\/8 and the challenging conditions in Dublin. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the turnaround from the opening encounter, Prendergast said the performance highlighted the mentality developing within the squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That resilience was evident throughout a contest in which Ireland were tested by both a competitive West Indies total of 141\/8 and the challenging conditions in Dublin. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Ireland celebrated a breakthrough result, the West Indies were left reflecting on missed opportunities and the impact of Prendergast's innings. <\/p>\r\n\r\n