Ireland target Tigers in World Cup qualifier
IRELAND’S women cricketers kick off their bid to qualify for the T20 World Cup this afternoon with a tough test against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi. The Tigers have won six of their previous nine encounters with Ireland, the most recent in 2019. But it is a new-look Ireland side, and with a new approach under head coach Ed Joyce. The batting of Gaby Lewis has drawn praise worldwide, and contracts followed in the Hundred. Her partnerships at the top of the order with Leah Paul and Amy Hunter has laid the foundations for some winning totals. But Orla Prendergast has also brought a real solidity to the top order, and her pace with the ball makes her a genuine allrounder. Arlene Kelly’s first season in green after moving from New Zealand has been a success and she can be relied upon for four tight overs. Skipper Laura Delany, who missed a lot of the season with injury, said: ‘We want to qualify for the World Cup and compete in South Africa next February. However, every other team will have the same mindset. ‘Gaby Lewis, Orla Prendergast and Arlene Kelly are three players to look out for. Arlene Kelly has been a brilliant addition to the side with the new ball. ‘I think the biggest challenge for us will be playing in these conditions. The weather here is quite different to what we’re used to.’ The Qualifier consists of eight teams split into two groups of four, the top two in each group playing off in the semi-finals. Ireland also face Scotland and USA, while the other group includes Thailand, Zimbabwe, PNG and UAE. The winner of each semi-final will qualify for the T20 World Cup in South Africa next February.