Sports
IRISHMEN WIN FIRST ODI
by David Harris
Ireland defeated the West Indies by 124 runs in the first One Day International at The Village, Dublin on Wednesday.
The Irishmen scored 303 for six wickets after the West Indies won the toss and opted to field. Opener Andrew Balbirnie scored 112 before he was caught by Gudakesh Motie at extra- cover off fast bowler Alzarri Joseph; Balbirnie faced 138 balls and struck nine fours and four towering sixes, he and follow opener Paul Stirling (54) an opening partnership of 109.
After Stirling was dismissed, Balbirnie shared important partnerships with Harry Tector (56) and wicketkeeper Locan Tucker (30) to guide Ireland to a respectable total.
Pacer Matthew Forde was the West Indies most successful bowler three wickets for 68 runs, and Joseph captured two wickets for 51 runs.
Chasing 304 to win the win match, the West Indies were bundled out for 179 runs in 34.1 overs. The Caribbean were in dire straits at 31 runs for five wickets in the ninth over as right-handed fast bowler Barry McCarthy dismantled the top-order.
Justin Greaves broke the shackles with quick-fire 34 that included seven four fours, his cameo ended when he was dismissed by left-arm seamer Josh Little; at that stage the West Indies were 71 for six wickets in the 15th over.
Roston Chase (55) and Forde (38) delayed the inevitable with a defiant 98 run-stand for the seventh wicket but once left –arm spinner George Dockrell bowled the recently appointed Test captain, Ireland needed just 13 more balls to wrap up the match.
McCarthy took four wickets for 34 runs, and Dockrell picked up three wickets for 21 runs. The second ODI will take place at the same venue on Friday.
