DUBLIN, Ireland (CMC) — West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s performance after a crushing 124-run loss to Ireland in the first One-Day International (ODI) here at Castle Avenue on Wednesday.

The former captain did not hold back in criticising his players for their lack of intent, particularly with the bat, as the Caribbean side collapsed to 179 all out in reply to Ireland’s commanding 303-6.

Sammy pointed to his team’s timid body language and failure to adapt as key reasons for the defeat.

“I thought we were quite timid, both with the ball and bat. Our body language, especially from my batters, didn’t look confident. Ireland’s opening bowlers challenged us with the new ball, but that’s nothing we haven’t faced before. We just didn’t respond with enough belief.”

He urged his players to back themselves more as he knows the potential of these cricketers who are capable of putting in world-class performances on any given day.

”I need my men to work with more confidence,” Sammy said. “They are good enough to impact the game and win.”

Ireland, led by Andy Balbirnie’s superb 112, along with half-centuries from Harry Tector and Captain Paul Stirling, took full advantage of a lacklustre West Indies bowling attack. Despite the pitch offering early assistance, the visitors failed to capitalise, allowing Ireland to post a strong total.

Sammy admitted his side’s bowling plans were not executed well. “We didn’t maximise the new ball, and though their openers batted well we didn’t bowl in the right areas consistently. Still, we thought 300 was chaseable, until we lost five wickets in the power play.”

The West Indies’ chase was in tatters early at 31-5, with only Roston Chase on 55 and debutant Matthew Forde’s 38 offering resistance in a 98-run partnership.

Sammy, who has emphasised an aggressive brand of cricket since taking charge, was particularly frustrated by his batters’ passive approach.

“I hate to see my batsmen in survival mode,” he said. “We should always be looking to score, not just block. Rotating strike and absorbing pressure is key but we also need to put pressure back on the opposition; we didn’t do that today.”

With the second ODI set for Friday and the final match on Sunday, Sammy will demand a drastic improvement as the West Indies look to salvage the series.

“Cricket is about performing on both sides. We didn’t start well in either innings, and that cost us. There’s a lot to work on before the next game.”