'I dreamt of it as a kid' - Ireland's Stirling hits 10,000 runs landmark in West Indies thrashing

He scored 54 runs off 64 balls as he combined with Andrew Balbirnie for an opening partnership of 109, taking his career total to 10,017 runs across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Balbirnie eventually went on to make 112, with his knock including nine fours and four sixes, while Harry Tector (56) also chipped in with a half-century as the hosts closed on 303-6 on their way to an impressive victory.

Barry McCarthy then dismantled West Indies' top order as he collected a four-wicket haul (4-32), while he also capped the performance by taking the final wicket to keep the tourists at 179 with 15.5 overs remaining.

It was Ireland's biggest win by runs against a Full Member, and their fourth-biggest victory overall as they took a 1-0 lead in their three-match ODI series.

"Everything went as we spoke...absolutely delighted," Stirling said. "[It is a] great thing for Irish cricket to see the depth of the talent.

"I had no idea [he was nearing the 10,000-run milestone], delighted to get there. It was something I dreamt of as a kid, but as a professional cricketer, you can't dwell too much about it."

"We want to win this series, of course, but you have to enjoy these sorts of results," Balbirnie added.

"It is a huge win for us, and I think the confidence is going to be high going into the weekend."

He's just passed the landmark in Clontarf!Well done StirloWATCH: TNT Sport 2SCORECARD: https://t.co/9cwPX120LU#BackingGreen #TokenFi @solar_failte pic.twitter.com/ezyR3T78xh

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 21, 2025

McCarthy removed Brandon King, Keacy Carty and Amir Jangoo early on as the Windies struggled to find their rhythm.

Justin Greaves (35), Roston Chase (55) and Matthew Forde (38) all attempted to stage a late fightback, but when the latter was taken by McCarthy, their chances were finished.

After crumbling to defeat with 95 balls left to play, West Indies captain Shai Hope noted that they need to make a brighter start for their second match of the series on Friday.

"We needed to show more intent," said Hope. "We just need to set the tone from the start.