KATHMANDU, Nepal – Ireland Women took a giant leap towards T20 World Cup qualification with a 98-run win over The Netherlands today, meaning the Girls in Green may qualify later today if results go their way in other games.
After losing the toss, Ireland was asked to bat first in cool but sunny conditions. Runs seemed hard to come by early with Gaby Lewis (20) and Amy Hunter (34) getting to 41 in the 7th over before Lewis chopped on and Hunter was bowled shortly after.
Despite Orla Prendergast (7) and Laura Delany (15) coming and going, Leah Paul took up the mantle of the innings mainstay – the in-form left-hander striking 39 from 24 balls, including 6 fours. She showed great innovation at times, a reverse scoop over the wicketkeepers head for four, followed by a ramp for four, were particular highlights.
Rebecca Stokell offered support for 5 overs as the Merrion pair combined for a valuable 39-run partnership. Eventually the Irish innings ended on 143-9 from 20 overs. While it sounded on the low side, the average score on this ground was 131.
Nothing much more could be said of the Ireland bowling unit than they were fantastic with the ball today.
Prendergast bowled her four overs straight, ending with a Player of the Match-inspiring 3-13, while Jane Maguire delivered possibly her most disciplined spell in her career, and was rewarded with 3-9. Lara McBride chimed in with 2-9 and Aimee Maguire grabbed 1-9 as The Netherlands were bundled out for just 45 in the 15th over.
Ireland Women’s last game of the Super Sixes is Sunday when they face Thailand to try seal qualification – but depending on how results elsewhere go today, Ireland may already have qualified before a ball is bowled in two days time.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v Netherlands Women, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Kathmandu, 30 January 2026
Ireland 143-9 (20 overs; L Paul 39, A Hunter 34)
Netherlands 45 (14.5 overs; J Maguire 3-9, O Prendergast 3-13)
Ireland Women won by 98 runs
Scorecard here