India beat Ireland by 52 runs to enter the semifinals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Providence in Guyana. Posting their third win in as many matches, India with six points were assured of a last-four spot.
With Ireland winning the toss and electing to field first, India had a chance to score a big total. But the damp condition on the pitch due to overnight shower did not allow the Indians to go past 150. India’s highest T20 run scorer, Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana opened the innings. Though Mandhana had a good game with a 29-ball 33, Raj was a bit off-colour on the day. Not being in her usual form, she scored 51 runs in 56 balls on the slow track. India ended the innings at 145 for 6.
In reply, Ireland’s chase never get going and they could manage only 93 for 8 in 20 overs. Indian spinner Radha Yadav was the most successful bowler claiming 3 wickets for 25 runs. Deepti Sharma claimed 2 wickets while Poonam Yadav and Harmanpreet Kaur shared 1 wicket each.
