West Indies vs Ireland: Lewis hits undefeated 99 as Windies ease to victory in 1st ODI

Opening batsman Evin Lewis fell agonisingly short of a century as his undefeated 99 helped West Indies to cruise to a five-wicket win over Ireland in first one-day international at Kensington Oval on Tuesday. 28-year-old left-hander made his runs off 99 balls with 13 boundaries and two sixes. After dismissing Ireland for just 180, West Indies reached ir target with 100 balls to spare.

Ireland stumbled to 180 all out 

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 scores level, he launched Barry McCarthy over extra cover but his hopes of a six to end game in style fell just inches short. Off-spinner Simi Singh was only Ireland bowler to complete his 10 overs, finishing with 2-44. Earlier, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph picked up four wickets as Ireland stumbled to 180 all out in 47th over.

'I just kept it simple and bowled to my plans'

"For me, it's a really good start to year," said man-of--match Joseph. "It's about putting in hard work in training and doing 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," he said. Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker was Ireland's top scorer with 31 as tourists collapsed following a solid start at Kensington Oval. Joseph dismissed opening pair Paul Stirling (15) and debutant Gareth Delaney (19) as well as dangerous Kevin O'Brien for just four as Ireland slumped from 51-1 to 88-6.

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A seventh-wicket stand between Tucker and Mark Adair worth 54 runs restored a glimmer of hope for a side playing ir first ODI since July. Adair hit two fours and a six in a brisk 29 off 34 balls before he was stumped off bowling of Hayden Walsh, with Tucker soon departing as Joseph struck again. three-match ODI series continues at same venue on Thursday and concludes in Grenada on January 12. That will be followed by three Twenty20 internationals in Grenada (January 15) and St Kitts (January 18 and 19).

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