BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The West Indies defeated the visiting Ireland team in the first One Day International (ODI) at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Tuesday, January 7. After dismissing Ireland for just 180 in 47 overs, the West Indies reached their target with 100 balls and five wickets to spare.
WI opening batsman, Trinidadian Evin Lewis just failed to reach a century as his undefeated 99 helped West Indies to cruise to the five-wicket win. The 28-year-old left-hander made his runs off 99 balls with 13 boundaries and two sixes.
For Lewis, it was his eighth ODI half-century but he made a gallant attempt to go to what would have been a third century.
With the scores level, he launched Barry McCarthy over extra cover but his hopes of a six to end the game in style fell just inches short.
Off-spinner Simi Singh was the only Ireland bowler to complete his 10 overs, finishing with 2 wickets for 44 runs.
West Indies and Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was named man-of-the-match took four of Ireland’s wickets.
Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker was Ireland’s top scorer with 31 as the tourists collapsed following a solid start.
Joseph dismissed opening pair Paul Stirling (15) and debutant Gareth Delaney (19) as well as the dangerous Kevin O’Brien for just four as Ireland slumped from 51-1 to 88-6.
The three-match ODI series continues at the same venue on January 9 and concludes in Grenada on January 12.
 at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Tuesday, January 7.){kind=link}