ICC Women's T20 World Cup - European Qualifier, Rotterdam

Ireland 166-4 (20 overs): Gaby Lewis 42 (37), Rebecca Stokell 38 (24); Ilenia Sims 2-26

Italy 103-7 (20 overs): Chloe Piparo 29 (23), Annie Wikman 29 (34); Arlene Kelly 3-7

Ireland won by 63 runs

Clinical Ireland proved too strong for Italy on Saturday securing a massive 63-run win in Rotterdam as they inch closer to book their place in the Global Qualifiers.

After electing to bowl, Chathurika Mahamalage provided Italy with an early breakthrough dismissing Amy Hunter cheaply. However, Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendegast continued their attacking style of play in the powerplay, putting up 47 runs in six overs.

Against the run of play, Prendegast was caught at mid-on, providing an opening for the Italians to come back into the game. Soon, spinner Ilenia Sims created a chance off the first ball she bowled but an easy catch was put down at covers, giving Leah Paul another life.

Lewis carried on her brilliant form once again top scoring for Ireland. However, for the first time in this tournament she was then dismissed for 42. Rebecca Stokell and Laura Delany provided impetus to Ireland’s innings in the death overs, setting up a target of 167 for Italy to win.

Ireland bowlers ran through Italy’s top order, leaving them 20 for 3 inside 4 overs. Chole Piparo and Annie Wikman led the recovery with a 50-run partnership for the 4th wicket. However, some disciplined bowling by Arlene Kelly accounted for both the set batters. Kelly also got rid of Alexia Kontopirakis for a golden duck and from that point there was no coming back for Italy.

Italy managed to play their full quota of overs but finished 63 runs adrift for the target as Ireland extended their winning run to 3 games in the tournament.