SA boost semis chances with big win

Ireland Women's World T20 campaign fizzled out after they crashed to a third successive loss, going down by 86 runs against South Africa Women. Their loss, though has added to the drama of a three-way race for semi-final spots between South Africa, New Zealand Women and Australia Women. The huge margin of victory over Ireland has helped South Africa push their net run rate to 2.031, boosting their chances ahead of a must-win, last game against New Zealand. If Australia beat Pakistan Women in their last league game, and South Africa beat New Zealand, the three sides will be tied on six points. If Australia lose, however, South Africa's chances of qualification improve with a better run rate.

South Africa had a sedate start after choosing to bat first and the openers added their second fifty-plus stand of the tournament before Dane van Niekerk was dismissed for 25. That sparked a period of uncertainty for South Africa, as they lost three wickets and were struggling at 102 for 4 in the 17th over. However, two cameos, from Chloe Tryon and Suné Luus, lifted them to a commanding 165 for 5. The pair slammed 63 runs in the last three overs before Luus was dismissed for a 10-ball 29 off the last ball of the innings. Luus had six fours in her innings while Tryon's unbeaten 35 off 12 balls had three fours and three sixes.

Ireland lost Clare Shillington in the first over of their innings but limped to a recovery of sorts with a 40-run partnership between Mary Waldron and Isobel Joyce. Their dismissals in successive overs, however, set off a slide that brought an end to the match by the 16th over. Ireland lost their last eight wickets for 42 runs and with Cecelia Joyce absent hurt, the side were dismissed for 79. Pacer Shabnim Ismail was the best bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets and conceding only five runs. Van Niekerk also finished with three wickets, accounting for Isobel Joyce before claiming two scalps in the 15th over to hasten Ireland's end.