DUBAI: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier began in Abu Dhabi today (Thursday). Sri Lanka and Ireland won the opening two matches at Tolerance Oval and Zayed Cricket Stadium respectively.
Sri Lanka overcame Thailand while Ireland defeated the hosts, United Arab Emirates (UAE), both winners recorded convincing victories over their opponents.
At Zayed Cricket Stadium, Eimear Richardson starred with an all-round performance for Ireland. Sri Lanka’s bowlers produced a stellar performance as they bowled Thailand out for 55 at the Tolerance Oval.
Ireland vs UAE
Esha Oza got UAE off to a flier with an onslaught on Alana Dalzell in the second over of the game, but the bowler had the last laugh when she sent the opener back off the final ball of the over.
Theertha Satish and Khushi Sharma rebuilt the innings for UAE with a solid partnership that came at a pretty good rate, but Ireland launched a spirited comeback into the game that saw the UAE innings unravel pretty quickly.
From 64/1, UAE slipped to 77/7 in the space of five overs as Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray and Richardson shared the spoils. The talented Kavisha Egodage was run out to add to UAE’s woes.
The lower order could not muster much of a fight as UAE finished on 105/9 in 20 overs, despite the promising start they had to the innings. (ICC Media)
