Ireland Women just failed to reach three figures against world champions Australia in their opening match of the T20 Tri-series at Bready yesterday, and duly lost by nine wickets.

Put into bat, Ireland got off to the worst possible start with Gaby Lewis holing out to deep mid-wicket in the first over.

Lewis’ opening partner, Rebecca Stokell, stayed until the 12th over, top scoring with 22 off 33 balls, but only she and Orla Prendergast, with two apiece, found the boundary as Ireland finished on 99 for eight.

Arlene Kelly, the Dragons professional, took Ireland’s only wicket – Alyssa Healy caught at mid-off, but the bad miss in the first over, off Jane Maguire, allowed Beth Mooney to finish 45 not out in an unbroken stand of 68 with captain Meg Lanning.

Amy Hunter missed the game with a thigh strain but hopes to be available for Ireland’s match against Pakistan tomorrow.