Ireland recorded an unequivocal, 54-run win over Netherlands to knock them out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier. Tournament hosts, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have sealed the fourth semi-final spot, moving one step closer to qualification for the main event in Bangladesh later this year.

Needing to win the match following the UAE’s big win over Vanuatu early in the day or maintain their net run rate above the UAE’s, Netherlands crashed to defeat at Ireland captain, Laura Delany’s hand. She produced a match-winning performance with bat and ball at Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday night.

At the end of the 20-match group stage, UAE have surged ahead of Netherlands in Group B with a net run-rate of +0.976 compared to Netherlands’ +0.111. Both teams finished with four points each (two wins and two defeats) in Group B. Ireland, with four wins in as many matches ends the group stage at the top of Group B.

In the Group A match played on Friday night, Sri Lanka overcame a tough fight by United States of America to maintain their unbeaten streak of four wins in as many matches. The Chamari Athapaththu-led team won by 18 runs at Tolerance Oval, they will now face the UAE in the second semi-final on Sunday, with Ireland going up against Scotland in the first semi-final.

Netherlands vs Ireland

Ireland, who chose to bat first, lost their prolific openers Amy Hunter (1) and Gaby Lewis (10) within the first 14 balls of the match as Netherlands pacer, Iris Zwilling got her side off to a perfect start in the crucial clash. Orla Prendergast (19) and Delany added 38 runs for the third-wicket to bring Ireland back in the hunt. They landed stumbled when they also lost Leah Paul for two, stuttering to 55/4 in the 10^th over.

Ireland roared back in contention thanks to a superb, unbeaten 89-run partnership between Delany and Eimear Richardson. The two took the fight back to the Netherlands bowlers who were bereft of answers in the second half of the Irish innings.

Delany hit some scintillating shots in her undefeated 70 off 45 balls (eight fours, two sixes), while Richardson contributed 34 off 32 (two fours). Ireland finished their 20 overs on 144/4. Zwilling took two for 13 in her four overs, she was the most successful Netherlands bowler.

Netherlands began their chase confidently with openers, Zwilling and Sterre Kalis adding 24 runs. The partnership was broken when Zwilling fell on the final ball of the fourth over, Kalis followed her back to the dugout in the sixth over. In-form batter, Robine Rijke fell for a duck as 24 for no loss turned into 29 for three in 5.4 overs.

A 31-run, fourth-wicket stand between wicketkeeper Babette de Leede and captain, Heather Siegers revived the Netherlands’ hopes. Delany, at this stage, followed her batting brilliance to the delight of both Irish and UAE fans. The medium-pacer ran through the Dutch middle-order with figures of 3/6 in two overs. Netherlands were eventually skittled out for 90 in 17.3 overs, confirming the UAE’s entry into the semis. Prendergast also took three wickets and Arlene Kelly took two wickets.

USA vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to bat first, found it tough to score quick runs up front against some disciplined and probing USA bowling. Geetika Kodali clinched the massive wicket of Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the opening over of the match.

Athapaththu’s dismissal made Sri Lanka look for consolidation early on as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Madavi took time to settle. The two shared 49 runs for the second-wicket in eight overs. Gunaratne fell for 25 (22 balls, three fours). Madavi (23) was dismissed off the next delivery, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 55/3 in 9.1 overs.

USA kept the scoring rate in check in the second half of the Sri Lankan innings. Middle-order batter, Hansima Kunaratne, occupied the crease for the remainder of the innings, consuming 27 balls for her 25 runs (three fours). Nilakshi De Silva scored 21 off 29.

Sri Lanka ended their innings at 123/4. Saanvi Immadi, Aditiba Chudasama and Kodali returning a wicket each for the USA.

USA got off to a solid start and looked in contention for an upset until the 13^th over of their innings. They tumbled from 63/1 to 87/5 as the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Athapaththu, made some crucial breakthroughs. The skipper led the charge, taking 3/14 in her four overs, she was later named the player of the match.

Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera took one wicket apiece.

Opener, Disha Dhingra (28 off 29 balls, four fours) was the leading run scorer for the USA. Captain, Sindhu Sriharsha chipped in with 27 (three fours), while Pooja Shah remained unbeaten on 20. They were eventually restricted to 105/6 at the end of their allotted overs, ending their tournament at the bottom of Group A after being unable to secure a win in any of their matches.

Scores in brief:

Match 19:

Sri Lanka beat USA by 18 runs

Sri Lanka 123 for 4 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 25, Hansima Kunaratne 25, Harshitha Madavi 23; Saanvi Immadi 1-14, Aditiba Chudasama 1-22)

USA 105 for 6 in 20 overs (Disha Dhingra 28, Sindhu Sriharsha 27, Pooja Shah 20 not out; Chamari Athapaththu 3-14)

Player of the Match – Chamari Athapaththu

Match 20:

Ireland beat Netherlands by 54 runs

Ireland 144 for 4 in 20 overs (Laura Delany 70 not out, Eimear Richardson 34 not out; Iris Zwilling 2-13)

Netherlands 90 all out in 17.3 overs (Babette De Leede 20, Heather Siegers 16; Laura Delany 3-6, Orla Prendergast 3-26, Arlene Kelly 3-9)

Player of the Match – Laura Delany

(ICC)