ICC Women's T20 World Cup - European Qualifier, Rotterdam
Netherlands 110 all out (18.5 overs): Robin Rijke 25 (27); Arlene Kelly 5-14
Ireland 111-3 (19.1 overs): Gaby Lewis 56 (55), Orla Prendergast 49 (44); Hannah Landheer 2-17
Ireland won by 7 wickets
Ireland romped their way to fifth successive win in the European Qualifiers on Tuesday, defeating the Netherlands by 7 wickets in Rotterdam.
This win guarantees Ireland the top spot in the European Qualifiers, having already qualified for the Global Qualifier to be held in Nepal next year. For the Netherlands, this loss means they must defeat Germany on Wednesday to advance. Otherwise, they risk leaving an opportunity for Italy to potentially qualify through a backdoor entry when Italy faces Ireland in the evening fixture.
Arlene Kelly headlined Ireland’s brilliant performance with the ball, picking a 5 for 14, and tearing through the Dutch batting line up. Netherlands won the toss and elected to bat.
Orla Prendergast provided the first breakthrough getting rid of Phebe Molkenboer and later Merel Dekeling, who came in the side for the in form Heather Siegers, fell to Kelly. Both the openers were dismissed for 9.
Captain Babette De Leede and Robin Rijke tried to consolidate for a while but once their resistance was broken, the Irish bowlers dominated the innings as the hosts went from 81 for 3 to 110 all out leaving 7 deliveries unused.
In reply Ireland skipper, Gaby Lewis carried on her superlative form to notch yet another half-century, before being dismissed right at the fag end of the innings when the chase was a forgone conclusion. Christina Coulter Reilly opened the innings instead of Amy Hunter in this game, however, she missed out asIris Zwilling dismissed her for 2. However, that was the only real moment of success for the Dutch in the second innings as the 2nd-wicket stand of 89 runs between Lewis and her deputy Prendergast put the game to bed.
On the last day of the European Qualifiers, the Netherlands are still in prime position to seal the spot for the Global Qualifier while Italy stands with an outside chance.
Germany 108-4 (20 overs): Ameya Kanukuntla 27* (41), Shravya Kolcharam 25 (27); Ilenia Sims 2-13
Italy 109-2 (14 overs): Annie Wikman 38* (31), Chloe Piparo 35 (30); Ameya Kanukuntla 1-11
Italy won by 8 wickets
Italy defeated Germany by eight wickets, keeping their hopes alive on Tuesday for a place in the Global Qualifiers. The defeat also marked Germany's fifth loss in as many games at the European Qualifiers.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Italy’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, stifling Germany's scoring rate. Despite contributions from Ameya Kanukuntka (27*) and Shravya Kolcharam (25), Germany posted 108-4. Ilenia Sims was outstanding with figures of 2-13, taking crucial wickets that prevented significant partnerships.
Italy’s chase was well-managed, concluding with six overs to spare. Although Kanukuntka secured an early wicket against opener Alexia Kontopirakis, and Methnayara Rathnayake retired hurt, Chloe Piparo (35) and Annie Wikman (38*) built a solid 60-run stand. Sims, who was awarded Player of the Match, completed an outstanding all-round performance, smashing 22 runs off 15 balls with the bat in addition to her bowling heroics.
This victory keeps Italy in contention for the Global Qualifier. They will be closely watching the evening match between the Netherlands and Ireland, as an Irish win would provide the Italians with an outside chance going into the final day of the tournament.
