The first ODI match between the West Indies and Ireland was played at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados. This was the part of the 3-match 50-over international matches series.

Andy Balbirnie won the toss and decided Ireland will bat first. However, the decision backfired as the Windies bowlers never let their batsmen settle in for a big score. Alzarri Joseph picked 4/32, while Sheldon Cottrell (2/39) and Hayden Walsh Jr. (2/30) did further damage to Ireland’s hopes for a big score.

Lorcan Tucker top-scored with 31, while Simi Singh made 29 as none of the top 5 batsmen passed the 20-run mark. The Irish team was bowled out for 180 in 46.1 overs.

In the chase, opener Evin Lewis slammed 99* with 13 fours and 2 sixes to anchor the innings, while the next best score was Roston Chases’ 19. It was a single-handed effort from Lewis as West Indies won by 5 wickets with 100 balls remaining. Simi Singh picked 2/44 for Ireland.

Alzarri Joseph was named the Man of the Match. He said during the presentation, "For me, it's a really good start to the year. It's about putting in the hard work in training and doing the yards. I kind of had an idea of how I wanted to bowl today, and I just kept it simple and bowled to my plans."

BRIEF SCORES:
IRE 180 (L TUCKET 31; A JOSEPH 4/32) lost to WI 184/5 (E LEWIS 99*; S Singh 2/44) by 5 wickets