The two semi-finalists from Group B in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier were decided in an action-packed day in Bangkok on Sunday. Ireland beat China by 28 runs in the morning to gain their second win and Zimbabwe won a wonderful match against Netherlands in the afternoon by just two runs to match Ireland’s record of two wins and four points.
In Group A, Bangladesh were again impressive winners against Scotland and look set for a semi-final place, but Thailand lost in disappointing fashion to Papua New Guinea by seven wickets.
Ireland had won their first match of the competition comfortably on Saturday but they were well tested by China at Thailand Cricket Ground as they were reduced to 38 for 4 at the halfway point of their innings. Irish captain Isobel Joyce has plenty of experience and Laura Delany helped her add 40 for the fifth wicket and Joyce who made 41* from 36 balls was able to find the boundary late in the innings as 30 came from the last 3 overs to take Ireland to 104 for 6 in 20 overs.
China found runs hard to come by in their reply but captain Huang Zhuo batted well as she finished on 39* with two fours and a six. Nobody else was able to reach double figures but 76 for 7 was a respectable effort for China as Ireland gained their second victory of the competition as they won by 28 runs.
Bangladesh defeated Scotland by eight wickets at Asian Institute of Technology after bowling them out for just 53 as leg-spinner Rumana Ahmed claimed three wickets in her first two overs without conceding any runs. Bangladesh’s openers brought their side to the brink of victory before both falling with scores level. The winning run soon followed and Bangladesh finished on 54 for 2 from 12.4 overs.
Zimbabwe showed how twenty20 cricket should be played against Netherlands as they ignored the loss of early wickets and their batting order continued to go for their shots whatever the situation. Precious Marange made 24* from 21 balls and Sharne Meyers 22 from 18 balls with two fours and a lovely six off her legs as Zimbabwe reached 110 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Opener Sterre Kalis, only 16 years old, almost saw Netherlands home to victory but she was run out for 49 in the final over in which 12 runs had been required. Only two were needed from the last ball to force a super over but another run out brought Zimbabwe a thrilling victory.
Thailand would have hoped to gain their first win of the competition as they faced Papua New Guinea at AIT but this was always going to be difficult once they had made a slow start and only made 70 for 6 in their 20 overs. Two early wickets gave the home side home but newcomers PNG thoroughly deserved their first victory at this level as Norma Ovasuru made 36 as the Pacific Islanders won by seven wickets with three overs to spare.
RESULTS – DAY TWO
Ireland beat China by 28 runs
Bangladesh beat Scotland by 8 wickets
Zimbabwe beat Netherlands by 2 runs
Papua New Guinea beat Thailand by 7 wickets