Hopes were high after a thrilling warm-up match victory over Australia, but it’s been a rocky start for Ireland at the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa with successive losses to England and Pakistan. Here’s what’s happened, and what’s coming.
After a surprise three-wicket win over tournament favourites and defending champions Australia in an unofficial match, Ireland earned some confidence. However, despite some strong performances, including an impressive 36 from 21-year-old opener Gaby Lewis, the team lost their first game of the tournament to England who won by 4 wickets (107-6 to 105).
Ireland’s second match proved historic for opponents Pakistan when opener Muneeba Ali became the first woman from her country to record a century in a T20 game, and Ireland paid the cost, suffering a 70-run defeat (165-5 to 95).
It's all over in Cape Town, as we lose by 70 runs.
Strong efforts from Prendergast and Richardson with the bat, but it wasn't to be.
Well played, Pakistan.#T20WorldCup | #BackingGreen ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Sxp3bD2eyZ
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) February 15, 2023
Ireland will face the West Indies at 5pm Irish time today and is available to watch on Sky Sports (Feb. 17th). They then will face India at 1pm on Feb. 20th!
We've won the toss and will be batting first 💪
An unchanged playing XI from our game against Pakistan 👇#T20WorldCup | #BackingGreen ☘ pic.twitter.com/XtVcDkgkWJ
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) February 17, 2023
#BackingGreen