Despite the highly touted return of all-rounder Dwayne Bravo the West Indies went down to a four run defeat to Ireland in the first T20 international at the Grenada National Stadium yesterday. 

The Windies chasing a victory target of 209 runs got off to a good start with opener Evin Lewis who smashed 53 from 29 balls, and captain Kieron Pollard who cracked 31 off 15 deliveries.

Shimron Hetmeyer weighed in with 28 , while  wicket keeper Nicholas Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 26 runs apiece .

The Caribbean side were well on course at 194 for 5 in the penultimate over and needing 7 runs off the last over they failed to get over the line and were restricted at 204 for 7 –  Dwayne Bravo’s contribution counted for very little as he fell for 9.

Bowling for Ireland Josh little grabbed 3 for 29 and Craig young 2 for 31.

Earlier opener Paul Sterling missed out on his first T20 International century cracking 95 runs off 47 balls, coloured by 6 fours and 8 sixes, as the Irish winning the toss and taking first strike scored 208 for 7 off their allotted 20 overs.

Fellow opener Kevin O’Brien supported with 48 and Gareth Delaney made 19.

Bravo who is back in the Caribbean team   for the first time in 4 years, grabbed 2 for 28, with Sheldon Cottrell and Karry Peire also taking 2 wickets.

Pollard agreed that Ireland was better on the day, but pointed to some positives in the Windies performance.

Games two and three are slated for Warner Park in St. Kitts on Saturday and Sunday.

The Windies swept the preceding three-match one day international series 3-nil.