Published: May 21, 2017, 10:31 PM (IST)
Edited: May 21, 2017, 10:31 PM (IST)
Ireland Women prevailed over Zimbabwe by 19 runs in the playoff for the third place in the Quadrangular Series 2017 at Potchefstroom. With India Women easing to an 8-wicket win over hosts South Africa Women in the final earlier on Sunday, Zimbabwe and Ireland had nothing but pride to play for. At a point, it did look like Zimbabwe would chase down the 255-run target, but after the 115-run second wicket partnership between Chipo Mugeri and Modester Mupachikwa was broken, Zimbabwe did not find any momentum and as a result fell short of their target. Medium pacer Aoife Beggs finished with career best figures of 5 for 52 to help Ireland to a relatively easy win. Full Updates: Women’s Quadrangular series 2017, IND W vs SA W, IRE W vs ZIM W
Zimbabwe ended their disappointing campaign with just a couple of victories- both coming against Ireland. Ireland on the other hand have had an even more disappointing win as this is their first and only victory of the competition, perhaps coming at just the right time. Fifties from Laura Delany (81) and Shauna Kavanagh (67) took Ireland to 254 for 5 from their 50 overs. They put on 130 for the fourth wicket, which eventually turned out to be the most crucial partnership of the match.
Gabi Lewis and Mary Waldron too got off to starts, but could not turn that to anything substantial. Credit to the Zimbabwe bowlers as well for doing a fine job with the ball. Loren Tshuma was the pick of their bowlers, finishing with 2 for 27. Earlier, Ireland had won the toss and elected to bat first.
Brief scores:
Ireland Women 254 for 5 in 50 overs (Laura Delany 81, Shauna Kavanagh 67; Loren Tshuma 2 for 27, Tasmeen Granger 1 for 32) beat Zimbabwe Women 235 in 49.4 overs (Chipo Mugeri 57, Modester Mupachikwa 54; Aoife Beggs 5 for 52, Gabi Lewis 2 for 46) by 19 runs.
