Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier: Ireland beat USA by 16 points in the group match

Ireland defeated the USA by 16 runs in Kathmandu on Thursday to make it two wins out of two in the Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland made 154-7 from 20 overs, with the USA’s response falling short of 138-8.

Ireland beat Papua New Guinea by 41 points in their opening match on Sunday, so victory over Bangladesh in their next match on Saturday would guarantee a place in the Super Sixes stage of the qualifiers.

The top three teams from each group qualify for the Super Sixes, and the top four teams then advance to the finals in England in June.

After winning the toss, Ireland elected to bat first and suffered a setback in the fourth over when opener Amy Hunter was dismissed for 18 to leave her side 27-1 down.

Orla Prendergast followed the duck without scoring further but a third wicket partnership of 77 between Gabby Lewis (42) and Leah Ball got their side back on track at 125-4.

Paul went on to top score with 67, while medium pacer Tara Norris was the pick of the USA bowlers with 3-10.

Arlene Kelly shone with figures of 4-20, while Ava Canning and Amy Maguire took two wickets each, as the USA fell 16 points short of the total set by their opponents.

The USA failed to maintain any momentum as wickets fell regularly, Ritu Singh’s 41 off 30 deliveries being the standout contribution of the innings.