Danza Hyatt century seals victory for Jamaica

Jamaica opener Danza Hyatt scored a century to lead his side to a comfortable six-wicket win against Ireland at the Port Rhodes Sports Club.

Batting first after being sent in by Jamaica captain Tamar Lambert, Ireland could only manage 229 in 49.3 overs on what appeared to be a troublesome pitch, as fast bowler Andre Russell continued his fine form, taking 5 for 42 off 9.3 overs.

In reply, opener Danza Hyatt scored 102 and David Bernard provided support with an unbeaten 52 to lead Jamaica to victory in the 48th over. Hyatt's knock included 12 fours and a six as he took Ireland's bowlers to task. Carlton Baugh, who contributed 24 off 20 balls, was also in good form as Jamaica continued their success in front of an appreciative crowd.

Ireland wicketkeeper Gary Wilson, who was one of Russell's victims, made 53 before he was caught in the deep by Odean Brown during Russell's second spell. Wilson got support from his captain, William Porterfield (44), with whom he shared a 72-run partnership for the third wicket. Ireland, however, were never in control of the match and failed to recover from their poor start - they were 29 for 2 at one point - before losing their last six wickets for 61 runs.

Lambert was also in fine bowling form, claiming two wickets for 10 runs in three overs, while Krishmar Santokie took 1 for 26 off seven. Lambert was pleased with the victory and is hoping that it will help his team to curb their poor one-day form.

"We are happy with the win. I think it was a good victory for us. We haven't been playing good one day cricket over the years so we are working on it from now, especially where chasing is concerned," Lambert said. "It was a great team effort, everyone chipped in but Andre Russell bowled really well in their innings and the partnership between Danza (Hyatt) and David Bernard really set us up well."

Porterfield was disappointed with his team's batting display, but took heart from their efforts in the field and remained positive. "Everything started well, I think, and we were hoping to get 270 runs but it all went wrong from the 30th over," he said. "No one likes to lose but we are not overly disappointed. We have to look at the bigger picture because we bowled really well but we now have to pick things up."