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Pakistan and Sri Lanka claim first two ICC Women’s World T20 spots with ease

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Ireland and The Netherlands failed to put up much resistance against Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the tournament favourites marched on to Wednesday’s final of the ICC Women’s T20 Qualifiers.

Ireland and The Netherlands failed to put up much resistance against Pakistan and Sri Lanka as the tournament favourites marched on to Wednesday’s final of the ICC Women’s T20 Qualifiers.
First up were hosts Ireland hoping to make it their first win against Pakistan in a number of years but when they were put in to bat on a wet pitch in YMCA, Ireland were not helped by the early loss of Isobel Joyce (0). She got a peach from Samaiya Siddiqi her second ball and was bowled. Clare Shillington (5) was then run out by a direct hit from Nahida Khan and when Cecelia Joyce (7) was trapped in front by player of the match Sadia Yousuf, Ireland were in big trouble at 3-22 from 8.5 overs.

Kim Garth came in at three in the first over and batted through for a hard fought 38 from 56 balls, 16 of which came in the final three overs, to help Ireland limp to 65 all-out from 19.5 overs.

Pakistan struggled to get going against a tight Ireland attack but with such a small total to chase, they were suitably circumspect. Bowling has been Ireland’s strength throughout the tournament and they continued to show they can be difficult to get away. Pakistan took until the 15th over to pass the low total, losing just one wicket in the chase – a catch taken by Melissa Scott-Hayward off the bowling of Garth.

The loss put Ireland in the 3rd/4th play-off and Pakistan into the final. Next up was Sri Lanka v The Netherlands but ominous clouds finally broke and meant a delay to the start time. The YMCA groundstaff worked tirelessly to get the game going, though, and it was only reduced by one over to a 19-over-a-side match.

The Netherlands won the toss and chose to bowl. The early run-out of powerhouse Chamari Atapattu (19) gave them hope, and when Yasoda Mendis (26) was bowled by Shasha Bruning, the Dutch were on top.

Deepika Rasangika (47) held the middle of the innings together scoring at almost a-run-a-ball and Eshani Kaushalya (33*) came in at the end, scoring at over two-a-ball to hoist the score up to 157/6.

The rain came shortly after the innings end and when the teams took the field again, the second innings had been reduced to nine overs with a D/L target of 85. Helmien Rambaldo and Miranda Veringmeier got off to a good start, bringing the Lionesses to 33 from five overs before Veringmeier was out leg before. With such a total to chase, however, they were always behind the run-rate and as more wickets fell, the outcome only became more certain.

Sripali Weerakkody

The Netherlands finished with a creditable 51/4 from their allotment of overs, 34 short of their target. The final will be played on the same ground at 10am tomorrow morning between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ireland can still qualify for the ICC Women’s World T20 if they can find a way past the Dutch tomorrow in the winner takes all 3rd/4th play-off which takes place in YMCA at 14.00.

For the scorecard from Ireland v Pakistan yesterday, click here.
Shillington_wicket.jpg
Cricket Ireland
Pakistan celebrate the big wicket of Clare Shillington
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