(Cricket news) Ireland reached the semi-final thanks to a perfect record in Group B but started the day in the worst possible fashion as Scotland Kathryn Bryce ran rampant with the ball.

Opening pair Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis, who had been so prolific during the group stages, both fell to Bryce in the first over of the match, reducing Ireland to 1-2.

Further wickets reduced Ireland to 47-6 before Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly led the fightback in a 60-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Left-hander Paul expertly crafted her innings of 45 from 51 balls, only departing in the final over as she looked to make the most of the remaining deliveries of the innings.

Kelly’s 35 came from 27 balls and included five boundaries as the pair gave Ireland something to bowl to.

Set a target of 111 for victory, though, Scotland went on to claim victory. Arlene Kelly struck twice but there would be no further joy for the Irish as Scotland claimed victory with 22 balls remaining.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland v Scotland, T20I, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — 5 May 2024

Ireland 110-9 (20 overs; L Paul 45, A Kelly 35; K Bryce 4-8) 
Scotland 112-2 (16.2 overs; M McColl 50, K Bryce 35; A Kelly 2-28)

Scotland won by 8 wickets

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