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Age is just a number. West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks, making his ODI debut at the age of 33, played a superb knock of 93 off 89 deliveries and deservedly won the Man of the Match award to help his side secure a victory against Ireland in the first ODI match. West Indies beat Ireland by 24 runs in the first ODI match, played at Sabina Park, in Jamaica.
In the first ODI of the three-match ODI series, Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision seemed to have paid off initially, as within just 62 runs West Indies had their four batsmen back to the dressing room.
Good start for Ireland
Irish right-arm bowler Mark Adair picked up two wickets out of the first four to give his side an upper hand in the match. But then skipper Kieron Pollard and debutant Brooks played a solid partnership of 155 runs off 136 deliveries to take their side to a defendable total (269 ail-out).
Thanks to their partnership, West Indies from stumbling at 62/4 managed to rise up to 217/5. Skipper Pollard was the first one to be dismissed among the two batsmen. For Ireland their right-arm medium pacer bowler Craig Young gave the crucial breakthrough after he managed to dismiss Pollard. The right-handed all-rounder attempted to play a pull shot but did not time it properly as it resulted in a top edge that went straight to Harry Tector standing at long-on. Pollard had to depart after scoring 69 off 66 balls. His innings was comprised of 4 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Brooks scores 93
Brooks on the other hand, looked settled enough to score a century in his debut match but needed seven more runs before he was dismissed by Adair. Brooks went for DRS after the ball had hit his pads but the replays proved the umpire’s decision to be correct. The debutant’s amazing knock came to an end at 93 off 89 deliveries. He smashed 9 boundaries and 3 sixes.
In reply, West Indies bowler Akeal Hosein picked up wicket in the second over of the innings and gave his side a start they would have really desired for. Irish skipper Balbirnie (71 off 94) and his fellow teammate Tector (53 off 68) tried to win the game but eventually their knocks were not sufficient as they were bundled out for 245.
