Women's T20 World Cup qualifier: Ireland beat Zimbabwe in semi-final to qualify for South Africa
Women's T20 World Cup qualifier: Ireland beat Zimbabwe in semi-final to qualify for South Africa
Cup Qualifier Semi-Final ICC Women's World Cup T20, Abu DhabiIreland 137-6 (20 overs): Prendergast 28, Stokell 26*, Delany 22; N Sibanda 2-24, K Ndlovu 2-36 Zimbabwe 133-6 (20 overs): Mayers 39, Musonda 31; Maguire 2-18, Kelly 2-27 Scorecard (external site)
Orla Prendergast had the highest score with 28 and Rebecca Stokell hit an unbeaten 26 as Ireland posted 137-6 on their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe needed 15 points late in the final to win, but Ireland captain Laura Delany conceded just 10
Sharne Mayers made 39 and Mary Anne-Musonda 31, with Jane Maguire and Arlene Kelly taking two wickets each.
Bangladesh and Thailand will meet in the second semi-final later on Friday to decide Ireland's opponents in the final.
Ireland lost to Bangladesh in their first group game but beat the United United and Scotland to qualify for the semi-finals.
Zimbabwe punished for missed catches
The Ireland's top six batters all posted double-digit figures, while bowlers remained calm under mounting pressure as Ed Joyce's side clinched one of two T20 World Cup places on offer.
After being put at bat, Ireland started with positive intent, Gaby Lewis hitting the second ball from the day at the deep limit of the square leg.
With opening partner Amy Hunter, the pair punished any short delivery as they looked to take the initiative early. However, Lewis (11) fell to fourth after overtaking a point back,...
Cup Qualifier Semi-Final ICC Women's World Cup T20, Abu DhabiIreland 137-6 (20 overs): Prendergast 28, Stokell 26*, Delany 22; N Sibanda 2-24, K Ndlovu 2-36 Zimbabwe 133-6 (20 overs): Mayers 39, Musonda 31; Maguire 2-18, Kelly 2-27 Scorecard (external site)
Orla Prendergast had the highest score with 28 and Rebecca Stokell hit an unbeaten 26 as Ireland posted 137-6 on their 20 overs.
Zimbabwe needed 15 points late in the final to win, but Ireland captain Laura Delany conceded just 10
Sharne Mayers made 39 and Mary Anne-Musonda 31, with Jane Maguire and Arlene Kelly taking two wickets each.
Bangladesh and Thailand will meet in the second semi-final later on Friday to decide Ireland's opponents in the final.
Ireland lost to Bangladesh in their first group game but beat the United United and Scotland to qualify for the semi-finals.
Zimbabwe punished for missed catches
The Ireland's top six batters all posted double-digit figures, while bowlers remained calm under mounting pressure as Ed Joyce's side clinched one of two T20 World Cup places on offer.
After being put at bat, Ireland started with positive intent, Gaby Lewis hitting the second ball from the day at the deep limit of the square leg.
With opening partner Amy Hunter, the pair punished any short delivery as they looked to take the initiative early. However, Lewis (11) fell to fourth after overtaking a point back,...
