India made it through to the semi-final of the 2018 Women’s World T20 with a comprehensive 52-run victory over Ireland in Guyana while the New Zealand women registered a consolation win over Pakistan.
Put into bat by Ireland opener Mithali Raj led the way for India with a fluent 51, including a six and 4 fours, and she was ably supported by Smriti Mandhana who scored 33, also featuring a six and 4 fours.
Teenager Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with 18, and, although captain Harmanpreet Kaur for once disappointed with the bat, scoring just 7, there was enough runs scored by the lower order for her side to reach 145 -6 at the close. Kim Garth took 2 for 22 for the Irish, who were left to rue their profligacy in dropping Raj twice.
When it came to the Irish batting, it was a familiar tale, however. Clare Shillington gave them a good start with 23, and Isobel Joyce top scored with 33, but nobody else got into double figures, as they struggled to cope with the Indian spinners. Wickets fell in clutches, with the final total of 93 – 8 well short of what was needed. Radha Yadav was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 3 for 25.
Meanwhile New Zealand beat Pakistan by 54-runs to end a sequence of seven consecutive losses in the short form of the game, recording their first victory in Group B of the Women’s World T20.
Put into bat, the top 4 Kiwi batsman all made runs with opener Suzie Bates top scoring with 35, whilst Sophie Devine (32), captain Amy Satterthwaite (26) and Katey Martin (29) all making useful contributions, and despite losing three wickers in three balls at the end of the 19th and start of the 20th over, they were able to post a competitive 144 -6 at the end of their 20 overs.
Pakistan got off to a rapid start, scoring 31 off the first three overs, but then began to lose wickets, the key loss coming when captain Javeria Khan departed for 36, having hit 6 fours.
After that it was a successive procession of batsmen back to the pavilion, as only two other players Aliya Riaz (12) and Nida Dar (11) made it into double figures. Pakistan were eventually all out at the end of the 18th over for 90, handing New Zealand a comfortable victory. Jess Watkin took 3 for 9, and Amelia Kerr 3 for 21, as the New Zealand bowlers dominated.
