ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier: Ireland Triumphs Over Netherlands, UAE and Sri Lanka Advance
In a decisive victory, Ireland ousted Netherlands from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier with a 54-run win. This result has paved the way for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to secure the fourth semi-final spot, edging closer to the main event in Bangladesh later this year.
Despite the pressure to win the match or maintain a net run rate above the UAE’s, following the latter’s substantial victory over Vanuatu, Netherlands succumbed to defeat under Ireland captain, Laura Delany’s stellar performance. Delany showcased her prowess with both bat and ball at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
After the 20-match group stage, UAE has outpaced Netherlands in Group B with a net run-rate of +0.976, compared to Netherlands’ +0.111. Both teams concluded with four points each (two wins and two defeats) in Group B. Ireland, undefeated with four wins, tops Group B.
In a Group A match on Friday night, Sri Lanka held their ground against the United States of America, maintaining their unbeaten streak of four wins. The Chamari Athapaththu-led team won by 18 runs at Tolerance Oval and will now face the UAE in the second semi-final on Sunday. Ireland will go head-to-head with Scotland in the first semi-final.
Netherlands vs Ireland: Match Highlights
Ireland, who opted to bat first, faced an early setback losing their openers Amy Hunter (1) and Gaby Lewis (10) within the first 14 balls. However, a 38-run partnership for the third-wicket between Orla Prendergast (19) and Delany brought Ireland back into the game. The team faced another hurdle with Leah Paul’s dismissal for two, leaving them at 55/4 in the 10th over.
Delany and Eimear Richardson’s unbeaten 89-run partnership turned the tide in Ireland’s favor. Delany’s unbeaten 70 off 45 balls (eight fours, two sixes), and Richardson’s 34 off 32 (two fours) propelled Ireland to finish their 20 overs on 144/4. Iris Zwilling, the most successful Netherlands bowler, took two for 13 in her four overs.
Netherlands’ chase started confidently with openers, Zwilling and Sterre Kalis adding 24 runs. However, a series of dismissals saw their score tumble from 24 for no loss to 29 for three in 5.4 overs. A 31-run, fourth-wicket stand between wicketkeeper Babette de Leede and captain, Heather Siegers revived the Netherlands’ hopes. But Delany’s medium-pace bowling saw her take 3/6 in two overs, dismantling the Dutch middle-order. Netherlands were bowled out for 90 in 17.3 overs, confirming the UAE’s semi-final berth.
USA vs Sri Lanka: Match Highlights
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and chose to bat first, struggled to score quickly against the disciplined USA bowling. The dismissal of Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the opening over put Sri Lanka on the back foot. However, a 49-run partnership for the second-wicket between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Madavi steadied the innings. Sri Lanka ended their innings at 123/4.
The USA started their chase solidly, but a series of dismissals from the 13th over saw them slip from 63/1 to 87/5. Despite a fighting 28 off 29 balls from opener, Disha Dhingra, and contributions from captain, Sindhu Sriharsha (27) and Pooja Shah (20 not out), the USA were restricted to 105/6 at the end of their innings.
Match Summaries:
Match 19:
Sri Lanka beat USA by 18 runs
Sri Lanka 123 for 4, 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 25, Hansima Kunaratne 25, Harshitha Madavi 23; Saanvi Immadi 1-14, Aditiba Chudasama 1-22)
USA 105 for 6, 20 overs (Disha Dhingra 28, Sindhu Sriharsha 27, Pooja Shah 20 not out; Chamari Athapaththu 3-14)
Player of the Match – Chamari Athapaththu
Match 20:
Ireland beat Netherlands by 54 runs
Ireland 144 for 4, 20 overs (Laura Delany 70 not out, Eimear Richardson 34 not out; Iris Zwilling 2-13)
Netherlands 90 all out, 17.3 overs (Babette De Leede 20, Heather Siegers 16; Laura Delany 3-6, Orla Prendergast 3-26, Arlene Kelly 3-9)
Player of the Match – Laura Delany