Ireland Ascends to Group B’s Pinnacle in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier; Scotland Sustains Momentum
Monday afternoon witnessed the conclusion of two more matches in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi.
Ireland made their presence felt with a commanding 56-run victory over Zimbabwe, catapulting them to the top of Group B at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Simultaneously, Scotland bounced back from their disappointing 10-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on Saturday, outclassing the United States of America (USA) by 44 runs at the neighbouring Tolerance Oval.
Key performances from Ireland’s opening pair, Amy Hunter (71) and Gaby Lewis (69), and Scotland’s captain, Kathryn Bryce, who delivered an unforgettable all-round performance, were the highlights of the day.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Match Summary
Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis set the stage on fire with a 130-run opening partnership, propelling Ireland to their fifth-highest total in women’s T20Is. The duo’s explosive start was followed by a solid middle-order performance, leading to a formidable total of 176/3 in their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe’s response was stifled early on, and despite a fighting half-century from skipper Mary-Anne Musonda, they could only manage 120/8, falling short by 56 runs. This leaves Zimbabwe with a mountain to climb in their final game to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
With two victories in as many games, Ireland now sits comfortably at the top of Group B, making them the favourites to advance to the semi-finals.
Scotland vs USA
Match Summary
Scotland’s captain, Kathryn Bryce, led from the front, guiding her team to a 44-run victory over the USA. Despite early setbacks, a crucial fourth-wicket partnership between Bryce and Ailsa Lister helped Scotland post a competitive total of 149/6.
The USA’s chase never got going, and they could only muster 105/8 in their 20 overs, marking their second consecutive loss in the Qualifier. Bryce’s all-round performance, including a career-best T20I bowling figures of 4/17, earned her the Player of the Match award.
Match Summaries:
Match 9:
Scotland defeated USA by 44 runs
Scotland: 149 for 6, 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 57*, Ailsa Lister 34; Isani Vaghela 2-17, Aditiba Chudasama 2-25)
USA: 105 for 8, 20 overs (Isani Vaghela 30, Jivana Aras 24*; Kathryn Bryce 4-17, Abtaha Maqsood 2-16)
Player of the Match: Kathryn Bryce
Match 10:
Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by 56 runs
Ireland: 176 for 3, 20 overs (Amy Hunter 71, Gaby Lewis 69; Kelis Ndhlovu 1-32, Josephine Nkomo 1-36)
Zimbabwe: 120 for 8, 20 overs (Mary-Anne Musonda 48, Modester Mupachikwa 27; Ava Canning 2-13, Laura Delany 2-19, Cara Murray 2-29)
Player of the Match: Amy Hunter