Paul Stirling smashed a magnificent century to inspire Ireland to an opening day victory at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Stirling hit 102 off 117 balls as Ireland reached an impressive 254-5, before it put in an excellent performance to reduce Netherlands to 179-9 off 50 overs, with Philip van den Brandeler scoring 85.

Hosts Canada survived an early scare when it crumbled to 106 all out against Uganda, before it responded by bowling out the opposition for 62 all out to record a 44-run victory.

“To win your first match is a start that any team in the tournament would want and that is exactly what we have got. We think that Uganda will be one of the better teams in this event so it was good for us to get a victory,” said Rustum Bhatti, the Canada skipper.

Papua New Guinea made a winning start to the tournament with an impressive victory over Hong Kong.

88 from Irfan Ahmed held the Hong Kong innings together as it made 160 all out, with only two players making double figures, as Raymond Haoda took 5-24.

Tony Ura’s 65 was then instrumental in guiding Papua New Guinea to a four-wicket victory as it reached its target with 9.4 overs remaining.

In the other game of the day, the USA defeated Vanuatu by 47 runs.

At Malton: Canada 106 all out, 42.5 overs
Uganda 62 all out
Canada won by 44 runs

At Maple Leaf 2, USA 168 all out, 48.5 overs
Vanuatu 121 all out, 35.4 overs
USA won by 47 runs

At Maple Leaf 3, Hong Kong 160 all out, 49.4 overs
PNG 161-6, 40.2 overs
Papua New Guinea won by four wickets

At Maple Leaf 4, Ireland 254-5, 50 overs
Netherlands 179-9, 50 overs
Ireland won by 75 runs