The West Indies took a 1-0 lead over Ireland in their three-match one-day international (ODI) series following a 24-run victory at Sabina Park, Kingston on Saturday (January 8).

Led by man-of-the-match Shamarh Brooks, who made 93 on his ODI debut, and 69 from captain Kieron Pollard, the West Indies scored 269 all out from 48.5 overs. The pair led a West Indies recovery with a fifth-wicket partnership of 155 runs after the side had slumped to 62-4 with Shai Hope (29), debutant Justin Greaves (7), Nicholas Pooran (13) and Roston Chase (0) back in the hutch.

However, once the partnership was broken, the West Indies lost their last six wickets for 52 runs as Mark Adair (3-38) and Craig Young (3-56) kept the home side in check. They got strong support from Andy McBrine who took 2-52.

Chasing 270 for what would have been only their second ODI victory over the West Indies, Ireland were cruising at 165-2 after Andy Balbirnie, McBrine and Harry Tector effortlessly rotated the strike to meet the required run rate.

McBrine retired hurt for 34 after he was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Odean Smith. Balbirine and Tector took the score to 165 when Ireland lost their second wicket after the former was caught behind off the bowling of Romario Shepherd for 71.

Tector was the next to go for 53 dismissed by Odean Smith as Ireland slipped to 173-4.

The visitors continued to lose wickets but late flurries from George Dockrell and Adair kept Ireland in the hunt.

Alzarri Joseph ended the Dockrell threat when he had him caught by Jason Holder for 30 before Shepherd and Smith wrapped up proceedings as Ireland were bowled out for 245 in the final over.

Joseph finished with 3-55 and Shepherd 3-50 to be the best bowlers for the West Indies. Smith took 2-26.