Hosts West Indies off to a winning start

PROVIDENCE: West Indies thrashed Ireland by 70 runs on Friday. Qualifiers Ireland were bowled out for just 68, inside 17 overs, with man-of-the-match Darren Sammy taking three wickets for eight runs to add to the all-rounder’s top score of 30 in West Indies’ 138 for nine.

Ireland saw off-spinner George Dockrell take three for 16 after Dwayne Bravo won the toss and batted. But their top order succumbed to fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who sparked Ireland’s collapse with three for 17. Ireland were soon in more trouble at 16 for four when Alex Cusack edged to Sammy. The all-rounder came in the ninth over and removed Kevin O’Brien first ball. Sammy took a fourth catch to get rid of Gary Wilson and ended the match when he bowled Dockrell for a duck.

The West Indies, without captain and dynamic opener Gayle saw senior batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul (14) fall first, immediately after striking two successive fours off Boyd Rankin. It was a similar story for Bravo (18), who a ball after hitting Alex Cusack for six gave the Brisbane born all-rounder a return catch. Dockrell then took centre stage, having Fletcher, opening in Gayle’s place, caught for 19 at deep backward point. But the home side ensured a decent total that proved well beyond Ireland’s reach.