Ireland v Netherlands: Hosts win opening T20 by 28 runs in Dublin

Laura Delany was the match's highest scorer with 61 at Malahide

Ireland captain Laura Delany hit a superb 61 to help her side win the first Twenty20 match with the Netherlands by 28 runs.

The hosts batted first at Malahide and Delaney led the Irish charge to set a solid total of 160.

Lara Martiz took three wickets to halt the Dutch response despite the best efforts of Miranda Veringmeier and Robine Rijke.

The second of four matches takes place in Dublin on Tuesday.

• Dublin series vital for qualifiers - Maritz

Taking to the crease first, Ireland lost opener Gaby Lewis for six while partner Rebecca Stokell was dismissed at the end of the sixth over while on 16.

It was Delany's stand which really got the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts as the skipper landed her maiden half-century from just 36 balls.

Delany was eventually dismissed for 61 from Eva Lynch's delivery and Shauna Kavanagh was bowled for lbw on 21 the following ball.

However the Irish settled, and the returning Eimear Richardson, making her first appearance since 2019, Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul took Ireland to the end of their 20 overs with 160.

Dutch fightback falls short

Needing a solid start in the run chase, the Netherlands openers Frederique Overdijk and Heather Siegers began slowly, albeit keeping their wickets intact.

It was not until the end of the fifth over that Prendergast made the initial breakthrough, inducing an airy shot from Siegers, who was well caught by Richardson for 10.

Celeste Raack claimed two wickets in the 10th over to leave Netherlands at 51-3, needing a run rate of 11 an over for victory.

Veringmeier struck a breezy 33 from 15 balls to inject momentum into the visitors run chase, but the introduction of Paul - Player of the Series against Scotland in May - foretold the end of the Dutch chances.

Three wickets fell in eight balls, and Lara Maritz (3-13) chimed in with three identical dismissals - all bowled - to see Ireland home by 28 runs by the end of Netherlands innings.

The four-match series is preparation for next month's Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers in Spain with the Netherlands one of Ireland's five opponents.