Ireland beat Scotland to close in on T20 WC qualification

Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast produced heroic batting performances in extremely hot conditions to inspire Ireland Women to a 19-run victory over Scotland and ensuring a semi-finals berth at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers in Abu Dhabi.

Both players scored rapid-fire half-centuries in a dominant batting performance by the Irish top-order in temperatures tipping mid-40s Celsius. Ireland’s bowlers then followed up the batting display with a professional performance, with Jane Maguire (2-19) and Cara Murray (2-27) excelling, while Arlene Kelly (1-19) looked dangerous with her in-swingers.

In a game where Eimear Richardson was presented with her 100th international cap, Ireland captain Laura Delany won the toss elected to bat first. Lewis looked composed from the beginning - hitting three boundaries in the first over - as Ireland started with intent.

However, Amy Hunter (3) fell early on, skying one to mid-on, to leave Ireland on 35-1 in the fifth over.

Prendergast entered the fray and found her rhythm quickly, and was dovetailing quite nicely with Lewis, scoring at roughly a run a ball. As the partnership grew, Lewis was playing with effortless freedom and brought up her fifty off the 28 balls with a boundary in the 10th over.

The 62-run partnership was broken in the 12th over when Lewis (66) was trapped lbw, but Delany continued the flow of runs as Ireland moved on to 121-2 after 15 overs.

The extreme heat was causing difficulty for Prendergast, who was visibly struggling. However, she dug deep and hit three boundaries in the 18th over to push Ireland over the 140 mark. She went on to score 55* from 46 balls in an exceptional knock. Delany (29) was selflessly run out late on looking for an extra run, and Ireland