Captain Gaby Lewis marked her 50th One Day International by producing a superb knock of 92 but could not prevent Ireland suffering a six-wicket defeat to India in their series opener in Rajkot.
The opener's total off 129 balls included 15 fours before she was caught and bowled by Deepti Sharma in the 44th over to fall short of a century.
Leah Paul contributed 59 off 73 deliveries to help the tourists reach 238 for seven from their 50 overs after they won the toss and elected to bat first at Niranjan Shah Stadium.
Ireland's 18-year-old spinner Aimee Maguire then took three wickets for 57, including having India's top scorer Pratika Rawal caught by Orla Prendergast for 89.
But, aided by an unbeaten 53 from Tejal Hasabnis, the hosts wrapped up victory with 93 balls remaining to seize the initiative moving towards Sunday's second ODI, with the series finale to come on Wednesday.
