Ireland lose to Australia by 63 runs in fourth Tri-Series T20 match

Ireland fell to a 63-run defeat by Australia in the fourth Women's International Tri-Series T20 match in Bready, Tyrone.

Coming into the fixture off the back of a 13-run defeat to Pakistan, the Irish side were meeting an Australia outfit who had beaten them by a nine-wicket margin at the weekend.

Meg Lanning and Tahlia McGrath both contributed half-centuries as Australia emerged victorious on this occasion against a much-improved Ireland, who made a good start with the ball by limiting the visitors to 39-2 after six overs.

But the Lanning-McGrath partnership proved decisive for Australia with a total of 135, the highest third-wicket stand for Australia Women in T20Is, as they finished on 182-4

Orla Prendergast top-scored for Ireland with 25 and skipper Laura Delaney hit 21 as they managed 119-7, Alana King taking 2-11 from three overs.

Australia 182-4 (20 overs; M Lanning 74, T McGrath 70; G Dempsey 2-35)

Ireland 119-7 (20 overs; O Prendergast 25, L Delany 21; A King 2-11)