USA claim memorable victory over Ireland in Florida T20

The States' first victory over a full ICC member nation came by 26 runs, as the hosts successfully defended 188 for 6

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie accepted his side "weren't good enough" as they were beaten by the USA in the first T20I between the sides.

The States' first victory over a full ICC member nation came by 26 runs in Florida, as the hosts successfully defended 188 for 6.

Sushant Modani (50 off 39 balls) and Gajanand Singh (65 off 42) put on 110 from 70 balls for the fifth wicket after the USA had stuttered to 16 for 4, to ensure a competitive target was set.

And in reply Ireland could not find the momentum they needed to claim victory.

Paul Stirling made 31 from 15 balls and Lorcan Tucker made an unbeaten 57, but none of their teammates could get past 19, and they hauled themselves to 162 for 6 from their 20-over allocation.

"We knew it was a good wicket and we would have to work hard for the 10 wickets if we were to get them," Balbirnie said.

"We didn't create enough chances and we didn't bowl well enough.

"They played brilliantly but we gave them a lot of bad balls to hit as well, which is disappointing.

"We just weren't good enough deserved to lose."

Coming soon after their early elimination from the T20 World Cup in the preliminary round in the UAE, which included defeat by Namibia, this is another bitter pill for the Irish.

They will not have to wait long to make amends, however, with the second match of the series following on Thursday.

Three one-day internationals round off the tour.

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