Windies women begin Europe tour on a high

West Indies women 93 for 5 (Dottin 33, Isobel Joyce 2 for 12) beat Ireland 123 (Coffey 32, Small 3-27) by five wickets (D/L method)
Scorecard

It wasn't a bad way to re-enter the international arena after a three-year absence. West Indies women beat Ireland by five wickets to kickstart their resumption on the ODI scene, kick off their European tour - and in many cases their international careers - in fine style.

In a rain-interrupted game, Ireland were bundled out for 123 in just 39.1 overs and it was a host of debutantes who made the difference for West Indies. The visitors were set a revised target of 90 in 20 overs, which they achieved thanks to an unbeaten 33 from 17-year-old debutante Deandra Dottin, after 17-year-old Stefanie Taylor had made 14.

Others appearing for the first time shone, too. Nineteen-year-old Danielle Small took 3 for 28, 18-year-old Shakera Selmen took 2 for 19. There was a wicket too for Stacy-Ann King who, at 24, was comparatively old to be making her debut. She helped see them home with 20 not out.

Showers before the start of play reduced the match to 46 overs a side, and Ireland began poorly after being put in to bat, losing their first four wickets for only 47. Most of the West Indian bowlers were among the wickets, but they were also guilty of indispline, conceding 32 runs through wides. The 36 extras were the largest contributor to the total, while Nicola Coffey top scored with 32. Danielle Small, the right-arm medium-pacer, picked up three wickets, including Coffey's, while Shakera Selman and Stacy-Ann King picked up two each.

West Indies were tottering at 31 for 4 in 8.1 overs when rain halted play. Upon resuming, the visitors' target was revised and 17-year old Dottin added 41 for the sixth wicket with King to take them to victory with 17 balls to spare. Isobel Joyce - captaining for the first time following Heather Whelan's break - and Marianne Herbert picked up two wickets each.

Even though there was much to be encouraged about for this new West Indies outfit, their coach Sherwin Campbell will not allow them to rest on their laurels. Windiescricket.com reported that he said it was a good performance for the first match, however there were areas that needed to be improved on.