(Cricket news) In today's fourth and final T20 International against Ireland at Malahide, the Netherlands Women achieved a historic first-ever win over Ireland.
The Netherlands had never beaten Ireland in an international match in ten attempts, but today they won by 7 wickets (DLS) in a rain-affected encounter, inspired by Player of the Match Babette de Leede's stunning 62* from 35 balls.
De Leede and Player of the Series Miranda Veringmeier put on a match-winning 85-run third-wicket combination as the Netherlands chased down a DLS-adjusted target of 118 from a maximum of 15 overs in 13.3 overs.
Ireland made three changes for their last match after gaining an unassailable lead in the series yesterday, resting Orla Prendergast, Lara Maritz, and Ava Canning and replacing them with Celeste Raack, Rachel Delaney, and Georgina Dempsey.
Following a rain-delayed start, Gaby Lewis, Ireland's batting hero in the previous match, was dismissed for 5 runs after smashing a half-tracker straight to square leg. The Irish captain Laura Delany joined Lewis' opening partner Rebecca Stokell, and the pair put up 85 runs for the second wicket in 82 balls. Stokell and Delany battled through rain showers that forced them to leave the field three times, limiting the match to a 15-over-a-side affair in the end.
Delany's 39* from 43 balls appeared to be a continuation of her batting form from earlier in the series, while Stokell's 48 from 43 balls was her highest score for Ireland, falling on the final ball of the innings. Stokell, who began her innings nervously, built in confidence during her innings, hitting a massive six down the ground and five boundaries.
Both teams will now prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, which will take place in August.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v Netherlands Women, 4th Match T20I International Challenge, Malahide Cricket Club, 30 July 2021
Ireland 101-2 (15 overs; R Stokell 48, L Delany 39*; E Lynch 1-21)
Netherlands 119-3 (13.3 overs; B de Leede 62*, M Veringmeier 29*; C Raack 1-8)
Netherlands Women won by 7 wickets (DLS)
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