Ireland women put up a creditable performance against Australia in County Tyrone yesterday, before succumbing to a nine-wicket defeat by the world champions, in their opening match of a tri-series that also involves Pakistan.

The Girls in Green lost opener Gaby Lewis and captain Laura Delany for ducks before recovering from 44-6 to 99-8 from their 20 overs, with Rebecca Stokell making a top score of 22 at the Bready CC ground.

Alana King took three wickets. Pic: Rodney Smythe

An Australia side featuring superstars Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy was never going to be troubled by such a total but Ireland stretched them to 12.5 overs, with all-rounder Arlene Kelly taking 1-19.

They face Pakistan at the same venue on Tuesday.