Cricket: Despite good start, Ireland well beaten in opening World Cup qualifier

Despite a good start for the Irish with a 79-run opening partnership by Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul, the Caribbean side were dominant for large periods

Gaby Lewis top-scored for Ireland with 36. Picture: Oisin Keniry

Ireland tasted defeat in the opening game of the Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, falling to a six-wicket defeat against the West Indies.

Despite a good start for the Irish with a 79-run opening partnership by Gaby Lewis (36) and Leah Paul (25), the Caribbean side were dominant for large periods, reaching their target of 160 with 63 balls to spare.