Laura Delany, Ireland’s skipper, shone brilliantly in both batting and bowling during a dominant 54-run victory over the Netherlands, which concluded their unbeaten streak in Group B of the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier located in Abu Dhabi. The result secures Ireland’s semi-final clash with Scotland on the upcoming Sunday, where the victors will be rewarded with a spot in the final tournament, set to take place in Bangladesh in the months of September and October.
In the match against the Dutch, Delany demonstrated exceptional brilliance, smashing 70 runs off 45 balls (including eight boundaries and two sixes), without losing her wicket. This helped Ireland reach a respectable score of 144-4 in 20 overs. A significant contribution also came from Eimear Richardson, who remained unbeaten too, making 34 runs off 32 balls. Both put up a match-defining partnership of 89 runs in 66 balls.
The Dutch couldn’t mount any formidable chase thanks in main, to the fantastic bowling performances from Orla Prendergast (3-26), Delany (3-6), and Arlene Kelly (2-6). The Netherlands were dismissed well short of the target, with a mere 90 runs earned in the 18th over. Thus, Ireland won by a comfortable margin of 54 runs, with the score being 144-4 (20 overs) against the Netherlands’ 90 (17.3 overs).