Emphatic play-off win for Ireland Women over the Netherlands

The Irish Women cricketers held on to ODI status after an emphatic play-off win over the Netherlands in Savar yesterday.

It was again very much a battle against the conditions, with a low slow wicket suiting the Dutch attack. But with contributions all down the order Ireland won by four wickets.

Ireland captain Isobel Joyce said: 'Those were tough conditions today, the wicket got very slow and The Netherlands were able to take advantage of that with their slower bowlers.

'We aimed to retain ODI status today so I'm not too disappointed with the team's performance. That being said, we will have to improve if we are to beat Bangladesh and retain ninth place in the global rankings on Saturday.'

The Dutch won the toss and clocked up 139-9, with Eimear Richardson's 2-34 the pick, while Elena Tice bowled a mature spell of 10-1-22-1.

Batswomen Claire Shillington and Melissa Scott-Hayward, each averaged 4 in the tournament, but coach Jeremy Bray showed faith and asked them to open.
 
They made 13 and 14, but the Joyces, Jill Whelan and Richardson all chipped in to take Ireland to the brink of victory.

It was left to the nerveless teenagers, Laura Delany and Kim Garth to knock off the runs in a tense finish.