Ireland launched their three-match ODI series against the West Indies in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding 124-run victory at Castle Avenue in Dublin on May 21. (Match Blog)
A clinical all-round performance, highlighted by a century from Andy Balbirnie and a four-wicket haul from Barry McCarthy, helped the hosts seize early control of the series.
Opting to bat first, Ireland were off to a strong start courtesy of an opening stand worth 109 runs between skipper Paul Stirling and Balbirnie. Stirling played the aggressor with a 64-ball 54, while Balbirnie anchored the innings with a composed knock.
After Cade Carmichael fell cheaply, Balbirnie carried on to notch up his ninth ODI hundred, scoring 112 from 138 balls.
Middle-order support came from Harry Tector, who struck a brisk 56, and Lorcan Tucker, whose late cameo of 30 from just 18 balls pushed Ireland to a formidable total of 303-6 in their 50 overs.
Matthew Forde picked up three wickets for West Indies, while Alzarri Joseph chipped in with two crucial dismissals, including Balbirnie and Tector.
In reply, the West Indies chase was derailed early by a stunning new-ball spell from Barry McCarthy. The pacer accounted for Brandon King, Keacy Carty, and Amir Jangoo in quick succession, reducing the visitors to 31-5 inside 10 overs.
Captain Shai Hope was bowled by Thomas Mayes, while Evin Lewis was run out in a mix-up.
Justin Greaves (35 off 17) and Roston Chase (55) attempted a middle-order rescue, putting on a 98-run stand with Matthew Forde (38), but the collapse resumed after their dismissals. George Dockrell cleaned up the tail with three late wickets, while McCarthy returned to finish with 4-32.
West Indies were bowled out for 179 in just 34.1 overs, handing Ireland a thumping 124-run win and a vital 1-0 lead in the series.
