XtraTime Web Desk: It wasn’t as comprehensive a batting performance as India would have liked, but a half-century from Mithali Raj was backed up by a disciplined show with the ball as India completed a 52-run win against Ireland and sealed their place in the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 semi-final.
Ireland, choosing to bowl at the Guyana National Stadium on Thursday, 15 November, didn’t allow India to get away in the Powerplay, but a let-off for Raj on 3 proved costly. The first-wicket pair of Raj and Smriti Mandhana added 67 in 9.6 overs, and Jemimah Rodrigues pitched in with a brisk 18.
Kim Garth and Lucy O’Reilly were again impressive with the ball for the lowest ranked side in the tournament, as Ireland found some spirit to pull things back at the death and give themselves 146 to chase.
Clare Shillington provided some fireworks, and Isobel Joyce showed sparks of intent, but on the whole, Ireland’s chase never quite got the momentum it needed. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur changed around her bowling, with her off-spin a particular threat for the opposition.
Ireland could go no further than 93/8, and are still without a win in the tournament. India play Australia on Saturday in a game that will decide the Group B toppers.