Women's T20 World Cup: India beat Ireland to seal semis spot

Smriti Mandhana's career-best knock fashions 5-run win over Ireland via DLS method; Australia up nextIn the third over, Smriti Mandhana stepped out and dispatched Ireland pacer Orla Prendergast's length delivery through cover point for her first boundary. It was the beginning of the Indian opener's domination over the Irish bowlers.

For the next 75 minutes at the windswept St. George's Park in Gqeberha, the southpaw entertained with her career-best 87 (56b; 9x4; 3x6).In their final league encounter at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup on Monday, India walked away with a five-run victory by the DLS method.

Chasing India's 155/6, Ireland were 54/2 in 8.2 overs when rain halted play and no further play was possible. India are now placed second on the points table with six points behind England, who play Pakistan on Tuesday in the last Group 2 engagement.

In the semifinals, India will be up against Group 1 toppers and defending champions Australia.

1/11Smriti Mandhana guides India into T20 World Cup semi-finalsShow Captions<p>Smriti Mandhana hit a career-best 87 as India beat Ireland in a rain-affected match to book a semi-final meeting with Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals. </p><p>Replying to India's imposing 155/6, Ireland were 54/2 when rain ended play, handing India a rain-adjusted five-run win.</p><p>Mandhana was dropped four times in the outfield during a 56-ball innings which included nine fours and three sixes.