(Cricket news) A sublime 61 runs by Ireland Women’s cricket team captain Laura Delaney helped her side complete a 28 run victory in the first T20I against Netherlands at Malahide. Netherlands won the toss and decided to bowl, taking an early wicket of Gaby Lewis. However, Lewis’ dismissal brought forth Laura Delaney who scored her highest T20 International score of 61 runs off 43 balls, scoring her maiden half century in just 36 deliveries.
In an impressive display, Delaney scored eight boundaries in an innings which started when the score was 13-1 and ended with 107-3 in the 15th over. Delaney’s dismissal came when her pull shot was caught at cow’s corner to bring a conclusion to a brilliant innings. Shauna Kavanagh gave support to her captain with a steady 21 runs for a 69 run partnership, but fell off the next ball. Eimear Richardson (19) and Orla Prendergast (27* from 13 balls) ensured Ireland set a target of 160-6, their fourth highest T20I total which featured 20 fours and a six.
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Netherlands opted for a safer approach as they began their innings with Frederique Overdijk and Heather Siegers keeping their wickets intact. However, Orla Prendergast eventually made a breakthrough, dismissing Siegers who was caught by Richardson. Celeste Raack then put up an impressive display, claiming three wickets in the 10th over to leave Netherlands at 51-3 and facing a difficult task of needing a run rate of 11 in the last 10 overs.
Netherlands did not give up without a fight as Miranda Veringmeier scored 33 runs off 15 balls but when three wickets fell in quick succession, Ireland’s victory over Netherlands was all but guaranteed. Laura Delaney was awarded Player Of the Match and the two sides are all set to face each other once again in the same venue for the second T20I.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v Netherlands Women, 1st Match T20I International Challenge, Malahide Cricket Club, 26 July 2021
Ireland 160-6 (20 overs; L Delany 61, O Prendergast 27*; E Lynch 2-14)
Netherlands 132-7 (20 overs; M Veringmeier 33; L Maritz 3-13, C Raack 2-20)
Ireland Women won by 28 runs
