Ireland Women Secure Spot For T20 World Cup With 4-Run Win Over Zimbabwe

Ireland Women booked their place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 with a dramatic four-run win over Zimbabwe in the first semi-final of the Qualifiers.

Cricket Image for Ireland Women Secure Spot For T20 World Cup With 4-Run Win Over Zimbabwe (Image Source: Google)

Ireland Women booked their place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2023 with a dramatic four-run win over Zimbabwe in the first semi-final of the Qualifiers, here on Friday.

Put in to bat first, Ireland managed to post 137/6, with valuable contributions from the middle-order.

Star opener Gaby Lewis was dismissed in the Powerplay, but Orla Prendergast, fresh from her impressive knock last game, carried Ireland with a 25-ball 28 before she was dismissed in the 12th over.

Laura Delany and Eimear Richardson got starts, but couldn't quite give the innings a push. That came from Rebecca Stokell, whose 12-ball 26 gave Ireland a strong push towards the end.

In the run chase, Sharne Mayers held the innings together for Zimbabwe with a 36-ball 39.

Skipper Mary-Ann Musonda gave her good company with a 29-ball 31, the pair stringing together a fifty-run stand before Mayers was dismissed.

Arlene Nora Kelly and Jane Maguire took two wickets apiece and Zimbabwe's required run rate got steeper once the skipper too was sent back.

They eventually fell short by four runs as Ireland made it to the finals, ensuring their qualification to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa next year.

Brief scores:

IREW - 137-6 in 20 overs ( Orla Prendergast 28, Rebecca Stokell 26 not out; Nomvelo Sibanda 24) beat ZIMW - 133/6 in 20 overs (Sharne Mayers 39, Mary-Anne Musonda 31; Jane Maguire 2/18) by 4 runs