Ireland and West Indies win women's World Cup places

Ireland and the West Indies qualified to compete in the next Women's World Cup in South Africa after finishing on top of the International Women's Cricket Council tournament in the Netherlands yesterday.

The Netherlands, who have played in the last four tournaments missed out on a fifth tournament. Ireland has played in the four previous tournaments also, while the West Indies, who last played in 1997, will be making their third appearance in 2005.

Ireland were unbeaten during the tournament and finished by beating Scotland by 132 runs. They scored 228 for 5 in their 50 overs with Clare Shillington scoring 45 and Emma Beamish 40 in only her second international match. Scotland were all out for 96 in 31 overs with Kari Anderson top scoring with 46. The only other score above three was Alison Ramsay's 26. Isobel Joyce took 4 for 31 in nine overs and Catherine O'Neill 3 for 27.

The West Indies romped to victory in only nine overs against Japan. All out for 59 in 49 overs as Phillipa Thomas took 3 for 5 from eight overs, the West Indies lost no wickets as Nadine George finished 35 not out and Nelly Williams 18 not out.

The Netherlands were too strong for Pakistan. Batting first the home team scored 169 in 49 overs thanks to Maartje Koster's 49, Caroline Salomons 39 and Debby Kooij's 34. Shaiza Khan took 3 for 21. Pakistan were nine wickets down for 105 in their 50 overs as Salomons took 2 for 15 off 10 overs and Sandra Kottman 2 for 17 off 10.

Final standings were: Ireland 10, West Indies 8, Netherlands 6, Pakistan 4, Scotland 2, Japan 0.