World T20: South Africa women ease past Ireland women

CHENNAI: South Africa produced a near-perfect performance as they humbled Ireland by 67 runs at the

MA Chidambaram Stadium

here on Wednesday night. The comprehensive show opened the account for the Mignon du Preez-led side in the competition. After winning the toss, the South African women had no hesitation in making first use of the conditions, notching up an impressive total of 156 for 5 in their 20 overs. In reply, they restricted Ireland to 89/9 in 20 overs.

The first half of play saw opener Trisha Chetty (35, 4x4) top-score with her run-a-ball knock. In the company of

D van Niekerk

(20, 2x4, 1x6), Trisha added 41 in the first 4.5 to take the game away from their opponents. Clare Shillington (34, 4x4, 1x6), along with Isobel Joyce (22, 2x4) were the only batswomen to even enter the double digits as Ireland's chase failed to take off in the first place. For the winners, leg-spinner Sune Luus (5-8) led the show with the ball as she weaved a web on the opponents.

Brief scores:

South Africa women

156-5 (Trisha Chetty 35, Lizelle Lee 30 not out; Kim Grath 226) beat

Ireland women

89-9 (Clare Shillington 34, Isobel Joyce 22; Sune Luus 58)

Pak eye big win vs Bangla

Buoyed by the thrilling win over arch-rivals India, the Pakistan women's team would look to score a big victory over Bangladesh and stay in the hunt for a historic semi-final berth at Kotla on Thurs day. The two-run win via Duckworth Lewis method over India was just the booster shot that Pakistan needed and they would look to ensure a comfortable win over the Bangla women, who are already out of contention after losing all their three matches so far.

In the other match to be played at this venue on Thursday, Australia women will take on Sri Lanka.