ROTTERDAM, Netherlands \u2013 Ireland Women continued to dominate the ICC Women\u2019s T20 World Cup European Qualifier with a 63-run win over Italy today.<\/p>\n
After being put into bat first, Ireland started in a patchy fashion after overnight rain had led to slower conditions than on previous days.<\/p>\n
Amy Hunter (10) flared briefly before being caught looking to take on the bowlers, but Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast steadied the ship with a 36-run stand in 30 balls.<\/p>\n
Prendergast (23) looked the more aggressive striking four boundaries \u2013 mainly down the ground, while Lewis (42) continued on her great recent form after knocks of 29* and 66* in the first two matches of this tournament.<\/p>\n
At 110-4 with five overs to go, Rebecca Stokell (38*) and Laura Delany (28*) sought to pile the runs on, the pair took 56 runs from the final five overs and Ireland eventually finished on 166-4 \u2013 a score considered around par for this ground.<\/p>\n
Seeking early wickets to assert pressure on the Italians, Prendergast struck in the first over removing opener Dilaisha Nanayakkara\u2019s middle stump.<\/p>\n
The Italian batters struggled to deal with the disciplined Irish attack. Chloe Piparo (29) and Annie Wikman (29) put on a 50-run stand for the 4th wicket, however outside of this partnership, the Irish quality ensured the Girls in Green looked comfortable in defending their total.<\/p>\n
Arlene Kelly delivered a Player of the Match-winning 3-7 from 4 overs to rip through the middle order, and the Irish side were pleased with a 63-run win to remain firmly at the top of the table.<\/p>\n