Published: Mar 26, 2016, 06:46 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 26, 2016, 06:47 PM (IST)
Australia Women comfortably cruise through 7-wicket victory over Ireland Women in Match No.16 of T20 Women’s World Cup 2016. Elyse Villani’s knock of 35-ball 43 including 6 boundaries, helped Australia gain momentum after her opening pair Alysa Healy was gone too soon by Ciara Metcalfe. Soon after Australia skipper Meg Lanning was shown her way out in quick succession. Kim Garth from Ireland remained prominent with scalping 2 for 24 at the end of 3 overs. Australia very much back on track in their defence of their Women’s WT20 trophy after that convincing victory, which will have done wonders for their net run-rate, which may be the deciding factor as they battle for second place in Group 1 with South Africa. LIVE CRICKET BLOG: Australia Women vs Ireland Women, T20 Women’s World Cup 2016, Match 16 at Delhi.
Australia started the innings with Elyse and Alysa opening the account, but Ciara got her first within the power play. When Meg Lanning came in, Elyse expected a similar partnership to continue as against Sri Lanka Women on Thursday, but the skipper was picked by Kim for 8. It was Elyse and Ellyse Perry securing 55-runs stand and providing the impetus for Australia. Alex Blackwell joined Elyse for just adding 7 runs but Villani ended the innings with a boundary. READ: T20 Women’s World Cup 2016: Australia Women restrict Ireland Women to 91-7
Earlier, Australia Women spinners were successful in restricting Ireland Women to 91 for 7 at the end of 20 overs. Excellent field work by the team mates especially Elyssa and Jess Jonassen with those quick run outs. Australia won the toss and elected to field first. Ireland started opened the account with Clare and Cecelia Joyce. Lauren Cheatle was at her best with a maiden over as she opened the attack for Australia. Clare and Cecelia secured 33-runs 1st wicket partnership for Ireland vbefore Clare made her way out. Soon Kim Grath joined Cecelia and they secured 18-runs stand when Ireland were 54 for 2. Slowly the wickets started crumbling and runs were contributed by every batter. Ireland skipper also could not stay longer on crease with just 8 from 13, looking to find the perfect delivery and shot, but was found struggling.
Megun Schutt and Rene Farrell grabbed 3 and 2 wickets apiece for Ireland, but ultimately Australia reach inch-closer to final four with their victory, where as Ireland are already out of the tournament with four consecutive defeats in the innings so far. Now the next match between South Africa and New Zealand will be decider if Australia will proceed to semi-final or South Africa.
Brief Scores:
Ireland Women 91 for 7 in 20 overs (Clare Shellington 22, Cecelia Joyce 23, Kim Grath 27; Megan Schutt 3 for 29, Rene Farrell 2 for 11) lose to Australia Women 92 for 3 in 13.2 overs (Elyse Villani 43, Ellyse Perry 29*; Kim Garth 2 for 24) by 7 wickets
(Shruti Hariharan is Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)
