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KATHMANDU, Nepal – Ireland Women have overpowered Papua New Guinea by 41 runs to begin positively in their search for T20 World Cup qualification today in the mountain kingdom of Nepal.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Ireland captain Gaby Lewis struck a quickfire 42 off 25 balls to get the Irish innings off to a flying start.

While fellow opener Sarah Forbes fell for 6, Lewis found an equally aggressive partner in the shape of Player of the Match, Orla Prendergast. Lewis fell LBW with the Irish score on 64 in the 9^th over, but Prendergast took up the mantle and struck a 39-ball half-century – bringing up her fifty with a six over mid-wicket.

When Prendergast was dismissed, Ireland was 125-4 in the 17^th over – but good containing bowling, and the loss of two further wickets restrained the Irish total to 146-6. While a competitive, it was perhaps a lower score than they looked sure to surpass at the 15-over mark when 160+ was looking possible.

The PNG response started well but faded after the Irish bowlers began to adjust to conditions. Arlene Kelly (2-18) bowled tightly, and Aimee Maguire (1-15) turned the screws in the middle overs, but it was Prendergast who was the most impressive with 0-9 off 4 overs. Despite not taking a wicket, the all-rounder bowled immaculately and it wasn’t until her third over until the PNG batters scored a run off her with the bat.

Further wickets fell and PNG finished on 105-6 from their 20 overs.

Ireland’s next match is on Thursday against USA (see tournament info).

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Women v Papua New Guinea Women, T20I World Cup Qualifier, Kathmandu, 18 January 2026

  Ireland 146-6 (20 overs; O Prendergast 56, G Lewis 42; H Tau 4-25)

  PNG 105-6 (20 overs; H Doriga 19; A Kelly 2-18)                                                             

Ireland Women won by 41 runs

Full scorecard