Clare Shillington sets T20 record in Irish victory

Clare Shillington became the first Irish woman to score a Twenty20 century as the hosts opened the World Twenty20 qualifiers with victory over Japan.

Shillington hammered an unbeaten 114 from just 72 balls at The Hills to help Ireland to a total of 170-1, with Cecelia Joyce not out on 40.

Elena Tice took three wickets as Japan were skittled out for 53, giving the hosts a 117-run victory.

Ireland take on Canada in their next Group B game at Merrion on Thursday.

Shillington smashed 13 fours and two sixes in a superb knock in County Dublin.

Tice (3-10) and fellow teenagers Lucy O'Reilly (2-9) and Kim Garth (2-10) starred with the ball along with Melissa Scott-Hayward (2-8).

Ireland are aiming to clinch one of three qualifying places for the Women's World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next year.