Balbirnie ton sets up Ireland’s thumping win

Balbirnie ton sets up Ireland's thumping win

Andrew Balbirnie scored a century to lead Ireland to a big win over West Indies in the first ODI in Dublin. Balbirnie was well supported by skipper Paul Stirling and Harry Tector as Ireland reached 303. West Indies were bowled out for 179, losing by 124 runs.

The Irish openers started slowly, with Stirling taking 13 balls to score and Balbirnie on 7 off 19 at one point. But they eventually accelerated, adding over 100 for the first wicket. Stirling made a 61-ball fifty but was dismissed by Roston Chase.

Tector came in and Ireland continued to build a big partnership. Balbirnie reached his century and Tector hit boundaries as Ireland reached 220/2 with ten overs remaining. West Indies took wickets in the middle overs, but Lorcan Tucker's cameo helped Ireland reach 303.

Chasing 304, West Indies needed a good start but lost early wickets. Barry McCarthy took wickets in quick succession, leaving West Indies struggling at 71/6. Roston Chase and Matthew Forde put on a defiant 98-run stand, but George Dockrell broke the partnership and Ireland wrapped up the win.