KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

World T20 champions West Indies plummeted to a painful six-wicket defeat against Ireland in their first T20 international at Sabina Park yesterday. Ireland easily chased down the West Indies sub-par total of 116 for 8 from their 20 overs to win their first Twenty20 international against the Caribbean side.

A brilliant performance by Ireland in the field severely restricted the West Indies batting and ensured none of their batsmen reached 20.

A 31-run opening stand between Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith collapsed and both batsmen departed in the space of seven balls.

Smith hit two sixes and was caught in the deep hitting to leg for 14.

Gayle, who has just returned from injury, top scored with 18 including three fours but lost his wicket chipping Alex Cusack to long-on.

West Indies, scoring less than a run a ball, slid further to 58 for three after losing Samuels for 16, stumped.

Dwayne Bravo and Lendl Simmons rallied in the second biggest partnership of the innings, 20, for the third wicket.

Bravo was caught at third man for eight, Simmons was caught in the deep for 16, while Tim Murtagh yorked André Russell for 15.

Murtagh, Alex Cusack, Kevin O'Brian picked up two wickets each for Ireland.

Ireland found themselves in trouble early in their chase after openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling were dismissed inside eight balls.

But Ed Joyce led the way, with an unbeaten 40, and shared in two important partnerships that provided the main foundation for Ireland's victory.