South Africa batswomen cross over for a single en route to their eight-wicket win over Ireland yesterday. Picture: Jayan Orma
In yet another lop-sided contest at the Qatar International Women’s Cricket Championship, South Africa crushed Ireland by eight wickets yesterday to enter the final, where they will meet table-toppers Pakistan.
As has been the trend so far, it was a low-scoring encounter at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, with bowlers again calling the shots. So much so that Ireland were bowled out for a paltry 53 in 35.3 overs.
South Africa chased it down with minimum fuss, in just 13.5 overs, losing two wickets in the process. It was Ireland’s third loss in four matches, with the fourth being abandoned due to rain and wet outfield.
South Africa's decision to field proved right when they reduced Ireland to 17 for 6. Ireland were 13 for 2 in the ninth over before Chloe Tryon and Dane van Niekerk made it worse for them, picking up two wickets apiece.
Melissa Scott-Hayward and Mary Waldron tried to repair the damage, but just when they looked to be getting comfortable in the middle, South Africa struck again.
This time medium-pacer Marizanne Kapp took two quick wickets to leave them tottering at 38 for 8. Scott-Hayward was the last batter to fall for a 71-ball 20.
Van Niekerk finished with 3 for 8 from 5.3 overs, while Tryon, Kapp and Shabnim Ismail took two wickets each.
In reply, South Africa openers Lizelle Lee and Trisha Chetty looked to take their team home with all 10 wickets to spare. However, they fell in quick succession in consecutive overs for 15 and 24 respectively, leaving it on Mignon du Preez and Kapp to finish off the proceedings in the 14th over.
It was South Africa's first win of the series in three games.
They will play their last league game today against table-toppers Pakistan, before the two sides lock horns again in the final tomorrow.
Brief scores
Ireland: 53 in 35.3 overs (D Van Niekerk 3-8, S Ismail 2-5, C Tryon 2-10, M Kapp 2-16) lost to South Africa: 54 for 2
(T Chetty 24) by 8 wickets