Classy Balbirnie century leads Ireland to victory over West Indies in first ODI
Ireland opener Andrew Balbirnie struck a ninth one-day international century to lead his side to a 124-run win over West Indies in the first of a three-match series.
Balbirnie (112 from 138 balls) shared a 109-run opening stand with captain Paul Stirling (54 off 64 balls) as the Irish side dominated this contest from the start.
The Pembroke batter had been in exceptional domestic form having scored 255 runs at an average of 85 for Leinster Lightning in the opening games of the season, and his celebration upon reaching the three figures – a scream – seemed more in relief than celebration.
"I think I haven't scored 100 in this format in a couple of years, and probably my first as an opener," said Balbirnie.
"I've done it opening, but never as a proper opener. It's always sweeter when you get over the line and you've contributed with runs.
"They don't mean as much if you don't get the win, but to get a win like that, it's just really good and really special. I learned a lot.
"It's our first ODI on home soil in a few years, so to get a really good crowd here with family and friends, three guys making their debut, it was really special.
"We want to win this series, of course, but you also have to enjoy the results. It's a huge win for us, and I think the confidence is going to be high going into the weekend."
The Irish coaching and leadership setup will be particularly happy as three players made their international debuts in the match – Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy and Cade Carmichael.
"It only seems to be Test cricket where we have three debutants," said Balbirnie, "Three guys who've knocked the door down in Wolves and Interpro cricket and deserve their spot.
"I don't think they looked out of place, which is great for what we're doing behind the scenes for Interpro cricket. For the guys outside the squad to see that and go, 'you know what, if I keep putting in performances, I can get to where they are'."
Half-centuries to Stirling and Harry Tector, and a breezy 30 off 18 balls for Lorcan Tucker, saw Ireland post 303-6 from their 50 overs.
In reply, a Harry Tector special run out of Evin Lewis in the third over started the rot, with the visitors slumping to 31-5 in the 10th over – primarily due to an inspired spell of bowling by Barry McCarthy (4-32).
The Windies rallied briefly with a 98-run seventh wicket stand between Roston Chase (55) and Matthew Forde (38), but the introduction of George Dockrell (3-21) saw Ireland clean up the tail and claim an imperious 124-run win.
Game two of the series is on Friday at the same venue, while game three on Sunday is now officially a sell-out.
Ireland 303-6 (50 overs; A Balbirnie 112, H Tector 56, P Stirling 54; M Forde 3-68)
West Indies 179 (34.1 overs; R Chase 55; B McCarthy 4-32)
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