Ireland beaten by Australia

IRELAND lost the first T20 International by 25 runs against World Champions Australia at a sun drenched Claremont Road.

Elyse Villani (32) added 56 for the second wicket with Meg Lanning, after the early wicket of Jess Jonassen (5) - well caught by Gaby Lewis off Ciara Metcalfe.

Southern Stars skipper Meg Lanning top scored with a fluent 43 from 38 balls (5 fours) as they posted 140 for 5.

Lanning fell to a superb catch at cover by Gaby Lewis off the bowling of Elena Tice (2-35), and that sparked a mini-collapse as three wickets fell for the addition of just one run.

Alex Blackwell (20*) and Jess Cameron (16*) added 36 runs in the last 23 deliveries, as Australia finished their innings strongly.

Captain Isobel Joyce (4) and Clare Shillington both fell cheaply, but Cecelia Joyce led a mini recovery with Laura Delany.

Joyce top scored with 26 adding 37 with Laura Delany (9) to take it to 51 for 2.

They both departed in quick succession, along with Mary Waldron and Shauna Kavanagh, as four wickets fell for just 7 runs.

Gaby Lewis, playing on her home ground, gave the large support plenty to cheer about as she made a well manufactured 23, adding 29 with Kim Garth (15). Lucy O'Reilly hit an unbeaten 13 from just 10 balls as Ireland finished their innings on 115 for 8.