Gaby Lewis struck an unbeaten half-century in Spain yesterday to ease Ireland to a seven-wicket victory over Scotland in the first of back-to-back T20 internationals at the Desert Springs complex.

After recovering from an early shock to win the ODI series 2-1, the Girls in Green should round off a successful eight days today with another win, as they have the measure of their part-time opponents over the shorter distance.

Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce has been a thorn in Ireland’s side, making three half-centuries in the ODIs, but once she fell for a single, during an excellent opening spell of 2/8 from Alana Dalzell, hopes of setting a challenging chase all but disappeared.

Opener Darcy Carter threatened to carry her bat before she was the second last out for 45 from 55 balls, one of two victims for Laura Delany in an over, Cara Murray also took two wickets and Arlene Kelly wrapped up the innings on 91 in the 19th.

Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast fell cheaply at the start of the reply but any nerves were quickly banished in a 62-run partnership between Lewis and Delany that was only broken when the skipper was lbw for 25 with the scores level.

Lewis hit the winning run in the next over, finishing on 53 not out from 51 balls, with seven fours, as Ireland won with 21 balls to spare.