World Cup golden ticket on offer for Irish women with victory against Scotland
Ireland captain Laura Delany is looking forward to a big test against Scotland today.
Victory in today’s semi-final of the Global Qualifier carries a prize of a place in the World Cup in Bangladesh this autumn for Ireland’s women cricketers.
But that golden ticket will not be easily won, the decisive game at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi coming against arch-rivals Scotland who have triumphed in their two most recent meetings, and five of the last 13 since 2021.
Almost all Scotland’s wins are built around two Edinburghian sisters, Kathryn and Sarah Bryce. Kathryn is an all-rounder skilful enough to win an IPL contract, and has made four 50s in seven innings since arriving in UAE. while her younger sister is a wicketkeeper/bat. Saskia Horley, a recent acquisition from Australia, has also shown form.
Happily, Ireland’s performances in the tournament have come from a wider range, with almost every player chipping in at vital stages.
The opening batters, Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis set up the innings with stands of 52, 130 and 82 in the first three matches, but when they both failed against Netherlands on Friday night, the middle order stepped up.
None more than captain Laura Delany who has led the way with the ball all week but produced a career-best 70 not out when her team needed it against the Dutch.
Delany is aware of the Scots threat but is happy where are team are, saying on Friday: “We’ve played really good cricket all week and we’re building really good momentum now towards that semi-final.
"Scotland will be a tough game but we’re really looking forward to it.”
The game, at noon today, will be streamed live on icc-cricket.com.
