Laura Delany Ireland's hero as she blasted the 15 required off the final over to give Ireland a 3-0 series win. Earlier Orla Prendergast's four wickets prevented any late surge from the hosts in their innings, and a half century opening partnership between Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis looked to have swung the game Ireland's way. But with only two boundaries coming in overs 11-19, the hosts had dragged themselves into pole position to claim a consolation win to round off the series. That was of course before Delany took control in that final over - Arlene Kelly run out off the first, as she tried for a second run keeping Delany on strike, a two, then 3 consecutive boundaries off a distraught Shorna Akter to see Ireland home with a ball to spare.

Ireland's top order delivered again today, and even if the loss of Leah Paul and Laura Delany towards the end of the innings knocked a few runs off their final total they would have been pleased with their 134 at the change of innings. A double strike by Orla Prendergast gave Ireland just the start they wanted, and wickets in their first overs for Arlene Kelly and Alana Dalzell quickly reduced the hosts to 22 for four. But it took a double strike from Laura Delany to end a dangerous looking partnership before Arlene Kelly picked up two leaving Ireland just a wicket away from a series win. The coup de grâce delivered by a returning Orla Prendergast who needed only one ball to claim the final wicket. Ireland jubilant with the series win.

It took a double wicket maiden by Orla Prendergast in the nineteenth over to ensure an Irish win after a horrendous display in the field almost cost them the victory their batting display deserved. In the aggressive approach Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis promised she and Leah Paul swept their way to a 107 run partnership that put Ireland in the driving seat against the hosts who made six changes to their 50 over side. One would think it would take a very poor bowling display to lose from here. Unfortunately for the Irish that's what they served up with dropped catches, missed run-outs, misfields and a missed stumping not helping their cause. Two catches finally stuck in a Kelly over that dragged Ireland back into the game. But it was that Prendergast over, a maiden of swipes, that ensured the win and saved at least some of the blushes.

Two changes today for the Girls in Green with Laura Delany and Ava Canning replaced by seamer Alana Dalzell and leg-spinner Cara Murray. Welcome first runs of the series for skipper Lewis with more from the usual suspects Prendergast and Hunter, but a longer tail today without Laura Delany in the side left their total looking distinctly vulnerable. In helpful conditions Ireland's young spinners have made no impact in the series to date, a total of 3 wickets costing 200. Seemingly as always it’s Orla Prendergast with the early breakthrough but Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter put Bangladesh in the driving seat with a partnership of 143 for the second wicket. Not enough runs for Ireland to defend with bowling that lacked any semblance of a threat, all over with twelve overs to spare.

A 91 run partnership between Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast the highlight of a better batting performance from Ireland, but a little under par total as they weren't able to up the scoring rate in the closing overs. Early breakthrough by Orla Prendergast but Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter added 85 seemingly without any trouble. Both departed in quick succession to give Ireland hope, but Bangladesh paced the chase perfectly with skipper Nigar Joty powering them towards the 5 wicket win with a better than a run a ball 40.

Sharmin Akhter dominated the Bangladesh innings in a century partnership with Fargana Hoque. Fourteen boundaries in her 89 ball innings of 96 which set Ireland a challenging target for a win in this opening encounter. Little positive to say about the the Irish reply, Gaby Lewis the first of four LBWs, and Amy Hunter caught behind next ball. Resistance from Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul and Laura Delany, but a catalogue of injudicious missed sweeps and two suicidal run-outs just about summed things up. The visitors a very distant second in today’s game.

Orla Prendergast starred with bat and ball at Clontarf as Ireland recorded a five-wicket victory to beat England for the second time in five days and draw the Certa T20 international series 1-1. After top-scoring with 52 as the Girls in Green were dismissed for 109 and lost Saturday’s first match by 67 runs, Prendergast powered to 80 from 51 balls before she was bowled with her side on the brink of their first T20i victory over England. What seemed a certain win — seven needed to pass the visitors 169-8 from as many balls, with eight wickets in hand — turned into another final-over thriller as two more wickets fell before Ava Canning scrambled the winning two, thanks to an overthrow,. “It was our last game of the summer and after playing some really good crocket we wanted to finish well,” Prendergast said, as she received both the Player of the Match and Series awards. “Form is precious and I’m feeling really good at the moment. It’s a case of being consistent which is something I’ve struggled with a bit with in the past (to get a score and then come out and get another score the following day) so I’m happy to have done that this time.” Ireland’s highest successful run chase in a T20i was built on two Prendergast partnerships: the first of 79 with skipper Gaby Lewis, who made 38 from 35 balls, and another of 82 for the third wicket with Leah Paul who was 27 not our when the win was sealed with a ball to spare. Prendergast, who is bound for Australia this autumn, for a stint with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash, also showcased her swing bowling skills with 2-31 from four overs. Aimee Maguire was another to enhance her reputation over the weekend, the 18-year-old left-arm spinner taking 3-30 on Saturday, followed by 2-32, in the wake of her stunning career-best 5-19 in the ODI victory over England on Wednesday.

England bounced back from their shock loss in midweek to inflict a 67-run loss on Ireland in the first T20I at Clontarf. England flew out of the traps with Bryony Smith hitting 12 fours in an English record-equalling 24 ball half century - five of them from one Orla Prendergast over. An opening stand of 72 between Smith (58) and Tammy Beaumont (27) set their side well on the way, and despite a mini wobble as three wickets fell for four runs - 112 for 1 becoming 116 for 4 - they kept attacking. Mady Villiers thumped 35 and although there was another late collapse, a total of 176 looked daunting. Spinners Aimee Maguire and Freya Sargent each claimed 3 for 30, while Jane Maguire took 2 for 25. Any hopes of another famous Irish chase were quickly dispelled as Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis went for a combined total of 3. Orla Prendergast clubbed 8 fours in an entertaining 52 from 34 balls, but there was little support aside from Ava Canning's run-a-ball 25, but by that stage the contest was effectively over. Ireland have a chance to level the series when the teams meet again at Castle Avenue on Sunday.

The teams started a 25-overs per side contest with Alana Dalzell - in for Arlene Kelly - dismissing Emma Lamb before another heavy shower forced the teams from the field. It looked with the square covered it could be terminal, but the gusty winds have blown the rain clouds away and the sun is now shining. Definite four seasons in one day weather. Tammy Beaumont in the runs again with a half century but five wickets for Aimee Maguire has helped Ireland bowl England out for 153. Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis led from the front in the chase hitting 10 fours in a top score of 72, sharing stands of 51 with both Amy Hunter and Leah Paul. However her dismissal with just 18 needed and 8 wickets in hand sparked panic in the home ranks with the finishing line in sight. Ireland lost wickets in three consecutive balls in the final over to leave number 9 Alana Dalzell needing a boundary from the last ball. The Bready all-rounder proved equal to the task, thumping the ball to long-on to spark a famous win - only the second time they have managed it since their first back in 2001. The sides now move on to Dublin, where they play back-to-back T20 internationals on Saturday and Sunday.

Records aplenty in the second ODI of the series as England recorded their biggest ever winning margin, their 275 eclipsing their previous record of 239 achieved versus Denmark. A record also for Tammy Beaumont who recorded her tenth ODI century to pass both Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards in the list. There was only going to be one winner in this encounter once England had posted a massive 320/8, two wickets each for Arlene Kelly and Freya Sargent with singletons for the Maguire sisters and Alice Tector. Little to be said about the Irish batting effort today other than it set a new record lowest total, beating, if that’s the correct term, their previous 46/9 versus Australia in 2001. Only Una Raymond-Hoey, who contributed half the runs scored off the bat, offered any sort of resistance as Kate Cross and Lauren Filer claimed three wickets each, Freya Kemp and Georgia Davis each with two. No sign of speedster Issy Wong with the ball today, but that may change on Wednesday in the final game of the series when England will be seeking a clean sweep with a win that will take them to the top of the ICC Women's Championship table.

Orla Prendergast top-scored with 76 as Ireland gave England a bit of a scare before succumbing to a Kate Cross inspired display. The stand-in England captain was to the fore as they prevailed by four wickets at a sun-drenched Stormont. Ireland lost Una Raymond-Hoey and skipper Gaby Lewis cheaply, but they got back on track thanks to Pembroke all-rounder Prendergast's half century (8 fours, 1 six), sharing stands of 53 with Amy Hunter (37) and 77 with Leah Paul (33). At 151 for 3 in the 31st over Ireland would have been hoping for a total in excess of 270, but the dismissal of Prendergast saw the wheels come off - Cross taking her best ODI figures of 6 for 30 as seven wickets fell for 59. A total of 210 was well short of what Ed Joyce's young squad would have envisaged, but to their credit they kept chipping away with Prendergast (2-27) making early inroads. Holly Armitage (44) and Paige Scholfield (31) got England on top, but wickets kept falling in twos and at 156 for 6, Ireland sensed an opportunity in a line-up featuring five debutants. However, Cross closed the door firmly, hitting an unbeaten 38, as she and Bess Heath (26*) clinched victory with an unbroken 7th wicket stand of 55 in 46 balls. The teams meet again in the second ODI on Monday at the same venue.

The worst off all possible starts for the Girls in Green losing Sarah Forbes lbw to the first ball of the match, and Amy Hunter to the second, as she pushed a return catch to Kulasuriya. Orla Prendergast quickly became Kulasuriya's third victim, caught behind for only 3 - Ireland 10/3 in the fifth over. Christina Coulter Reilly fell to a catch by keeper Sanjeewani and then Rebecca Stokell lbw, half the side out for just 28 runs in the fifteenth over. A 36 run partnership between Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly doubled the score, but by then it was a case of trying to bat out the overs and get what whatever you can. In the end they scrambled to 122 which wold prove impossible to defend against the visitors powerful batting line up. There was a quick start to the chase from Athapaththu before a wicket for first change bowler Ava Canning when Gunaratne attempted a 'paddle' from way out side off stump and only managed to drag it on. Athapaththu and Samarwickrama added 62 for the second wicket before the Sri Lankan skipper chipped Freya Sargent to Alice Tector on the ring at mid off. But it was all too easy for the visitors to claim a consolation win with Ireland way off their best today, Samarwickrama unbeaten and matching the 48 of her skipper. All done and dusted in the twenty fourth over - A win for Sri Lanka but the series goes to Ireland 2-1.

Orla Prendergast led Ireland to a second sensational one-day international victory over Sri Lanka in Belfast and to a winning 2-0 lead in their three-match ICC World Championship series. After beating the tourists for the first time to level their T20 series on Tuesday, the Girls in Green have followed up with two more stunning successes at Stormont over the longer 50 overs distance, with a different captain on each occasion. Prendergast had to step into the breach when Gaby Lewis, who had herself taken over from the injured Laura Delany, pulled up with a tight quad, leaving the most inexperienced of sides to take on the Asia Cup champions. Undaunted, Amy Hunter, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell all scored half-centuries to post a respectable 255-5 and a resilient bowling performance sparked a Sri Lanka collapse from 172-2 to 240 all out and an Ireland victory by 15 runs. It is also hard to over state just how massive a win this was for coach Ed Joyce’s young side - a real coming-of-age victory. Hunter, who made 66 from 71 balls is still only 18, while spinners Freya Sargent and Aimee Maguire, who stemmed the flow of runs when Sri Lanka’s third-wicket partnership looked to be seizing the game, are 18 and 17 respectively. With experienced batters Lewis and Delany missing, the key partnership for Ireland was 114 for the fifth wicket between Paul, the top scorer with 81, and Stokell who finished 53 not out. While Harshitha Samarawickrama was making 105, Sri Lanka had the target well within their sights but her disastrous run out at the end of the 42nd over was the first of five wickets in 12 balls, and Arlene Kelly soon wrapped up the win to finish with 3-41. Jane Maguire took 2-33 from eight nagging overs in the middle of the innings but it will be the full quotas from her sister Aimee (1-49) and Sargent (1-46) that will have most pleased Joyce as he dreams of a 3-0 sweep in the final game.

A superb all-round display by all-rounder Orla Prendergast made it back-to-back victories for Ireland Women as they chased 260 to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in a last over thriller at Stormont. The Pembroke star took three wickets in the visitors' innings with Vishmi Gunaratne making 101 - two wickets apiece for Alana Dalzell and Arlene Kelly, plus one for 16 year-old debutant Alice Tector. Stand-in skipper Gaby Lewis went cheaply, but Amy Hunter (42) and Sarah Forbes (30) kept Ed Joyce's side in the hunt. Prendergast then took centre stage, hitting 10 fours and 2 sixes in her 107-ball unbeaten 122. Her efforts looked as if they would be in vain with 30 needed off the last three overs, but 18 came off the 48th, with Prendergast, helped by Jane Maguire clinched another famous win.

GABY LEWIS led the way with a superb 119 from 75 balls at Sydney Parade last night (TUES) as Ireland pipped Sri Lanka by seven runs in a thriller to tie their two-match T20 international series. Lewis, who top scored with 39 in Sunday’s defeat, kicked on this time striking 17 fours and two sixes to propel the Girls in Green to 173-3 before she was run out attempting an impossible second from the last ball of the innings. Such was Lewis’s dominance that second-wicket partner Orla Prendergast, who has been in the form of her life, had to settle for second fiddle in a stand of 119. Prendergast, on her Pembroke club ground, played her role to perfection, though, cleverly rotating the strike and hitting four boundaries of her own before she was caught in the deep for 38 from 31 balls. All-rounder Prendergast then broke through in her first over and Ava Canning struck a second blow as Sri Lanka were pegged to 35-2 in the six-over powerplay. Harshitha Samarawickrama, who hit a match-winning 86 not out on Sunday, looked to be heading for another big score when she was bowled for 65 by Jane Maguire. It was the match defining moment and as wickets continued to fall Ireland held the visitors to 166-7 to record a first victory over Sri Lanka by either the men's or women's teams.

Harshitha Samarwickrama hit 15 fours and a six in an unbeaten 45-ball 86 to lead Sri Lanka to a 7-wickets win in the opening T20I at Sydney Parade. She shared an opening stand of 83 with Vishmi Gunaratne (30) that broke the back of their 146-run target, eventually easing to victory with 20 balls to spare. Earlier, there were runs for Gaby Lewis (39), Orla Prendergast (29), Laura Delany (25) and Rebecca Stokell (21*) in a steady effort that pleased the sizeable home support, but in the end was well short of troubling the Asian Cup holders. The teams meet again on Tuesday before moving North to play a three- match ODI series at Stormont.

A huge blow for the Scots chances today as captain Kathryn Bryce is missing through injury. Stand-in skipper her sister Sarah has won the Toss and asked Sri Lanka to bat first. In their previous games Sri Lanka have taken a steady approach when batting first, preserving wickets and seemingly happy to set what looked like moderate totals in the belief that their spinners will defend them. However Scotland showed in their semifinal with Ireland that they can be aggressive in the chase and pose a real threat to the Tournament favourites today. Early strike for Priyanaz Chatterji who has Gunaratne caught behind. Two more wickets for the Scots but not the big one of Athapaththu unfortunately for them, Sril Lanka 62/3 at the drinks break. Three boundaries from Athapaththu in the twelfth over off Rainey ups the scoring rate considerably, a sign of things to come from her? Indeed it is as she takes another twelve off Chloe Abel to home in on a half century. 116/3 with five overs remaining, 54 runs coming in overs 11-15, looking ominous for the Scots just now with Athapaththu in overdrive! And luck is certainly with her, as she 'plays on', but despite the ball rattling the stumps the bails stay in place, more good fortune next ball as she is dropped in the deep and collects a boundary into the bargain. Her century comes up off just 60 deliveries (13x4, 4x6) she has saved her best for the Final and departs first ball of the final over, caught in the deep. A second wicket for Rachel Slater bowling Perera next ball but Sri Lanka have given the Scots a mountain to climb. Horley first to go, hitting to mid off and beaten by the direct hit from de Silva. Megan McColl was inexplicably given not out lbw in the first over but doesn't escape a second time and Sarah Bryce is bowled off her pads swinging across the line second ball, two in the over for Prabodhani, it's all going wrong for the Scots. Priyanaz Chatterji has been playing a lone hand for Scotland but her defiance is ended when she drags a sweep onto her stumps. Lorna Jack lbw for 12, a third wicket for Prabodhani and a first for Dilhari in the next with Fraser edging the legspinner behind. A disappointing display by Scotland in the end but the result was never in doubt after that Athapaththu innings. No trophy for the Wildcats but they will be satisfied with the bigger prize they gained with their semifinal win against Ireland.

With a place in the World T20 Cup Finals at stake past form could count for little in this Celtic clash, when the pressure on both sides will be immense. Some have characterised it as a battle of Ireland's batting versus Scotland's bowling and with Ireland winning the Toss and opting to bat first that will be the first match-up of the day. And first blood to Scotland as Hunter charges past the second ball of the innings and misses with an ugly heave across the line. Two in the over for Bryce as Lewis slaps a short ball to Ailsa Lister at mid-on, both openers gone without scoring! Delany steers to backward point where the left handed Rachel Slater gathers and her throw to the keeper sees Orla Prendergast short! Delany finally off the mark through a misfield in the covers but plays outside a Bryce in-swinger and is bowled for just 2. Ireland 24/4 at the end of the so called Powerplay and lose Eimear Richardson 1 off 8 skying a slog to the safe hands of Abtaha Maqsood at mid off. Thankfully for Ireland this is Bryce's last over, her opening spell has put Scotland firmly in the driving seat. An important little partnership here with Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell adding 15 so far to take Ireland to 40/5 at the drinks break. Partnership broken in the next over, Stokell walks past a leg-side delivery and is stumped. The way the Ireland batters seem keen to 'come down the pitch' she may not be the last. Paul and Kelly are clawing Ireland back into the game with a partnership worth 34, five overs remaining, what can Ireland post? Luck is with them as a couple of half chances don't stick, a sumping missed and a wild throw costs a run out. It's a shot-a-ball from here on in - fifty partnership has thrown Ireland a lifeline, but it ends in the final over worth exactly 60, with Kelly caught at deep mid-wicket, Paul falls two balls later caught on the ring at extra cover and Murray is bowled first ball. Three wickets for Rachel Slater in that final over but they've cost 32 runs today. Ireland mightily relived to get past the century mark but Scotland will still fancy themselves to chase this down. Megan McColl quickly into her stride, she looks determined not to be tied down here aiming to take advantage of the Powerplay fielding restrictions 41 without loss after 6 with Ireland's bowling lacking any kind of threat at the moment. Commentator's wicket!! Saskia Horley goes for the paddle from outside off stump but only manages to play it onto her wicket. Kathryn Bryce to the crease and immediately under way with three boundaries - looks determined to make it her day today with Scotland 70/1 at the drinks break. Megan McColl powers on to 50 off 47 balls (4x4, 1x6) before she is bowled by Arlene Kelly - too little too late for Ireland one would think. Indeed it was, Ireland sent home 'tae think again'. A totally dominant display by Scotland with Ireland's top order demolished by Kathryn Bryce and their bowling dismissed by an agressive display with the bat from McColl and POTM Bryce.

Poor start for Ireland who have lost both openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis early. A big win for the Dutch would see them leapfrog the Irish to the top of the table. Very early days though. Couple of Orla Prendergast boundaries settle the nerves. She and Laura Delany hoping to lay a platform. But Prendergast caught at long on as she tried to clear the ropes. Well held. Leah Paul goes and Ireland wobbling a bit at 55 for 4 at the 10 overs mark. Could that be a turning point? Delany dropped at long-on by Kalis, who pushes it over the rope. Has she dropped WCQ? Delany dropped again on 29. 100 up in the 16th over - how many can they get in the last four? Plenty as the stand is worth 89. Laura Delany's 70 comes off 45 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Well supported by Eimear Richardson's 34. Steady start by both teams comes to life in the 4th over after Zwilling hits two boundaries but perishes trying for a third off Orla Prendergast - ct at mid-on by Richardson. Two more wickets for Orla as she traps Kalis with an inswinger and castles Rijke next ball. 60 for 3 at the 10 overs mark. Tough ask for the Dutch who will be overtaken by UAE on NRR if they lose. Wickets in each of the next two overs by Arlene Kelly and Laura Delany maintain Ireland's dominance. And the skipper has a second in her next over as De Leede half hits to deep mid-on. That you feel ends any slim chances the Dutch had. Delany gets her third - there won't be many easier adjudications for the Player of the Match award....Jane Maguire on to bowl and she strikes right away. Wickets falling in clusters. Second wicket for Kelly followed by a welcome wicket for Cara Murray. Final margin 54 runs. Ireland will play Scotland in one semi-final and Sri Lanka and UAE in the other with the winners going to the T20 World Cup. Those games are on Sunday.

Ireland chose to field and Ava Canning is first to strike bowling Rachel Andrew in her second over, but since then there have been few from either bowler that threatened the stumps. Not Ireland's best day with the ball so far today - wayward and little treat, Vanuatu 53/1 at the Drinks break. Finally Ireland home in on the stumps and a succession of heaves across the line accounts for the middle order. Delany collect a wicket and the inevitable run out means it's two in the over before a little Richardson leg-cutter clip the off stump, 8 down with one over to go. Ireland can't take the final wicket but a target of 89 should pose no problems for the Girls in Green. Fast start to the chase 53/0 at the end of the Powerplay. A quick finish here will boost Ireland's NRR at the top of the table. Ireland's openers add 82 before Lewis is caught failing to clear mid-off, a wicket for Navaika. Ireland sit top of the group with their next game against second placed Netherlands - It would take a big win by them to overtake Ireland. The prize for topping the group is of course avoiding a semi-final clash with Tournament favourites Sri Lanka.

Toss: Zimbabwe. Ireland strong favourites following that 5-0 T20 series win earlier in the year. Zimbabwe suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Vanuatu in their openingdo but game but bounced back with a convincing 8 wicket win over UAE. One change in the Ireland line up - like for like, Jame Maguire replacing Alana Dalzell. Amy Hunter takes 3 boundaries from the first three Nkomo deliveries to get Ireland under way. Ireland rattling along 52 after just 5 overs. It's help yourself here as both batters pile up the runs, 85/0 after 10, big total in prospect. Fifty for Lewis off 36 (6x4,2x6) plenty more there if you want them. Fifty now for Amy Hunter off 34 (6x4). Partnership broken at 130, Lewis caught at long on and finally Hunter follows getting a bottom edge through to the keeper. Orla Prendergast run out off the final delivery trying for an extra run but Ireland surely have enough already to claim the points. A fumbled run out chance by Hunter costs nothing as next ball Mayers chips to mis off and a second for Canning as Tiripano lobs a sweep gently to square leg. 66/2 at the half way stage, Zimbabwe with a lot to do. Delany breaks the partnership bowling Mupachikwa and holds a catch at mid off to give Kelly a wicket, Musonda playing a lone hand for her side here, but perishes in the deep off Cara Murray. Straight up from Mujaji and straight down again as Murray drops the caught and bowled but Richardson makes no such mistake next ball. Skipper Delany cashes in with a couple as the Zimbabwe innings folds without causing the Irish any worries.

Toss won by Ireland who asked UAE to bat first. Ireland can't afford a slip-up when they get their Qualification campaign underway against a UAE side whose build up to the Tournament was hit by the total wash out of the Quadrangular series that included Netherlands, Scotland and USA. UAE captain Esha Oza takes 15 off Alana Dalzell's opening over but drives the final delivery to Laura Delany at mid off, simple catch, 20/1. Sharma and Satish add 44 before Sharma is stumped by Amy Hunter off Arlene Kelly, 66/2 at the halfway stage of the innings. Cara Murray strikes with her first delivery, Sharma stumped, so both set batters gone in consecutive deliveries, that should slow things down as the two new batters find their feet. Never run on a misfield they say and when Hunter fumbles a return from the deep that's what the batters attempt, silly run out. Two in the next Richardson over sees Ireland in full control, 10/4 in the last 4 overs. And another two crazy run outs sees the seventh and eighth wickets fall and a second wicket for Arlene Kelly in the nineteenth makes it 9. Ireland surely favourites at the change of innings. And Ireland start the chase at a gallop, fifty on the board before Lewis edges behind last ball of the Powerplay. Spinners on now, so a different challenge facing the Girls in Green. A win for spin as Hunter runs past one and is stumped by a distance and in the same over Laura Delany manages to paddle onto her leg stump from just her second delivery! 68/3 after 10 and vital phase for both sides coming up after the drinks break. Disaster for Rebecca Stokell who chips a return catch to Oza first ball after the resumption. Ireland creeping along but less than 30 required now. A couple of close lbw shouts go Ireland's way and the ball drops in amongst a couple of fielders - nervy stuff. But Eimear Richardson and Orla Prendergast go on the attack adding a quickfire 38 to get Ireland over the line with overs to spare.

Ireland Women bounced back from their loss to Scotland with a morale boosting four-wicket victory over the USA in their second and final warm-up game of the T20 World Cup qualifiers. A fine bowling display saw the USA kept to 119 for 9, with none of the top five able to reach 20 despite all getting to double figures. Eimear Richardson (3-13), and Arlene Kelly (2-25), both got two wickets in an over to stall any momentum, while there was also a brace for leg-spinner Cara Murray (2-28). Gaby Lewis raced out of the traps with a quick 19, before being stranded when an Amy Hunter drive was deflected onto the stumps with her out of the crease. There would have been a few nerves when Orla Prendergast followed first ball, but a stylish Hunter hit six boundaries in a top score of 34 from just 26 balls to all but settle the contest. Skipper Laura Delany made 15, while there was confidence boosting runs too for Rebecca Stokell in a typically hard-hit unbeaten 23. Geetika Kodali took 3 wickets in a whole-hearted display, but the win was sealed in the 16th over. Ed Joyce’s side begin the competition in earnest with a clash on Thursday against hosts UAE.

Ireland have won the toss and are batting. Usual openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter. It's a bad start as Gaby Lewis goes caught off Rachel Slater for just a single. Orla Prendergast the new batter. End of the powerplay and two boundaries in that sixth over by Prendergast has got the Irish up and running after a watchful start. Second wicket down as Hunter gives a catch to the keeper Bryce. Prendergast the next to go and Ireland wobbling a bit as the big three all back in the hutch. Captain Laura Delany - who won her 200th cap this week - in the middle with Rebecca Stokell. 53/3 at the halfway point. A second wicket for Chloe Abel with a third catch for keeper Sarah Bryce has the Scots on top. Delany going well though. Eimear Richardson falls first ball and it's five down. Good test for the middle and lower order. Louise Little a third victim for Abel as wickets continue to tumble. Delany dismissed for a top-score of 27 - stumped by Sarah Bryce who has four scalps behind the stumps - her sister has two catches as well. Two boundaries by Arlene Kelly adds some vital runs. Ava Canning and Cara Murray both out cheaply and Ed Joyce's side in danger of being bowled out. And they are indeed - 98 all out in the 18th. Not great but it will be a good test for the bowling unit. Scotland depend a lot on their top-order so early wickets could make it interesting. Ava Canning strikes in the first over bowling Darcey Carter without scoring. and that brings the Scottish captain Kathryn Bryce to the crease. Eimear Richardson traps Bryce lbw in her first over and Sarah replaces her sister at the crease. 57/2 at the half way stage, game still very much in the balance. The Bryce Horley partnership is into the forties and looks to have swung the game Scotland's way. A comfortable win in the end for the Scots with that unbroken third wicket partnership of 66 seeing them home with almost four overs to spare. Fragile batting from Ireland meant that they were always second favourites here. Ireland's second 'official' warmup match versus USA is on Tuesday at the same venue with a midday start.

Ava Canning with the wicket of Nattaya Boochatham in the first over is just the start Ireland would have wanted after losing the Toss. And more trouble for the Thai girls as Dalzell picks up the second in her third over. It's the seventh over, Canning's last, before they find the boundary, twice. Cara Murray and Arlene Kelly took up the attack with Thailand 38/2 at the half way stage. A wicket for Arlene Kelly in the eleventh over breaks that little partnership and Ireland seemed to have things under control when Murray claimed her first and Thailand reached 70/4 with only five overs remaining. Three wickets in Kelly's next over including that of top scorer Khoncharoenkai ensured that Ireland would be chasing a low total tonight. An Eimear Richardson run-out claimed the eighth and Delany celebrated her 200th cap with the ninth and tenth meaning Arlene Kelly never got the chance of a five-for by bowling the final over. With Gaby Lewis gone without scoring, bowled in the first over of the chase, Orla Prendergast joined Amy Hunter at the crease and was into her stride straight away with three boundaries. Ten overs gone and Ireland saw Ireland reach 57/1 with only 23 more required for the win. That was down to 17 before the partnership was broken, Prendergast bowled by Kamchomphu. A fitting end to the game saw Laura Delany rattling off three boundaries including the winning runs on a day to remember for the Irish skipper. So it's now on to the 'official' World Cup warm-ups, the first of which is versus Scotland on Sunday, followed by the USA on Tuesday.

Torrential rain and flooding throughout the Gulf region meant that no play was possible.

Ireland batting first in the 5th and final T20. There's a debut for Joanna Loughran of Leinster. A blow for Ireland as Amy Hunter goes early after a slow start to the innings - 4 for 1 in the 3rd over. Gaby Lewis is up and running though to get the Irish back on track as she passes 20 as they reach 31 for 1 after 6 overs. Orla Prendergast joins in the fun and these two picking up the pace in a second wicket stand of 58 as they sit on 62 for 1 at the halfway point of the innings. The fun ends though as Lewis skies one to mid-off to depart for 42. Skipper Laura Delany makes a fluent 18 before chipping tamely back to Precious Marange 105 for 3 after 15. Prendergast still firing on all cylinders, but kiss of death as she is bowled in the next over - three sixes in her 42. Ireland losing their way a bit as Louise Little swings across the line and is bowled for 7, quickly followed by Arlene Kelly and Rebecca Stokell to similar heaves. A final total of 138 is nowhere near their previous efforts but they will be hopeful of defending it and completing a clean sweep. Steady start to the chase with Musonda looking dangerous - they are right up with the required rate at the end of the powerplay, continuing in the same vein as the midway point approaches. Ireland need a wicket. They will be aware of the lack of depth in the batting if they can remove these two. Leah Paul finally gets the breakthrough as she bowls Ndhlovu for 32 with the total on 77. Will that open the door? Musonda though the key to the game as she reaches her 50 from 39 balls, including six boundaries. This one going all the way as the return of Orla Prendergast does the trick as she bowls Musonda who misses with an ugly heave across the line, quickly followed by trapping Mujali lbw. It's now three wickets in five balls as Laura Delany gets into the action. Make that four wickets in eight balls as a second for the skipper. Hosts falling apart - self destructed. Prendergast gets a third, as does Delany. Not often you see an international team's tail starting at 3... Brief rally but the damage has been done with the loss of six wickets for seven runs. Last over begins with 19 needed but the 8th wicket falls with a run out coming back for a non-existent second. Ireland close out a 14-run win and a 5-0 series whitewash. Next up is the T20 WCQ in the UAE in a few months.

Toss: Ireland. Rain delayed the start of the match and the game has been reduced to 8 overs per side. Ava Canning and Georgina Dempsey opening the attack for Ireland. A tidy over from Canning concedes only 3 runs and then a big wicket last ball of Dempsey's ove, Mary-Anne Musonda slicing a full toss high to Lewis at cover. Arlene Kelly bowls the fourth for 11 runs and Cara Murray strikes with the first ball of the fifth having Mujaji stumped, but two more half chances are missed in the over! Leah Paul bowls the sixth, it goes for 9 but Ndhlovu is run out trying for a second run to keep the strike. Cara Murray bowls the penultimate over, 12 come off it but with another run out. Laura Delany bowls the final over for 10 and takes a wicket with the final delivery. Ireland not at their best in the field, they will need to be at their best with the bat to chase this down I think. Hunter and Lewis take 13 off the spin of Precious Marange to start. Left arm spinner Kelis Ndhlovu bowls the second for 7. More spin for the third as legspinner Tshuma takes the ball and Hunter survives as cover and backward point both leave the catch for each other. She runs past one in the next and the keeper fails to gather only to loft to cover next ball. Orla Prendergast joins Lewis at the crease. Sloppy fielding concedes a boundary helping Ireland's cause and batters happy to take on the throw from the deep to run the second. Prendergast runs past one and keeper fumbles - lucky! Last over needing 9 starts with an overthrow for 2. A single to long off. 2 on a half stop to extra cover. 2 to long off - bowler fails to gather the return and misses run out! Prendergast swings the penultimate delivery high over the midwicket boundary for 6. Game over! As tight a 9 wicket win as you'll ever see.

Half centuries from Player of the Match Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany ensured Ireland took an unassailable 3-0 series lead with another comfortable 60-run win. Batting first, the Irish lost Gaby Lewis in the first over, but Prendergast and the in-form Amy Hunter restored the natural order with a second wicket stand of 66, before Hunter was eventually dismissed for the first time in the series for 42 (7 fours). Prendergast thumped 9 fours and a six in her top score of 69 from 44 balls, sharing a third wicket stand of 86 with the skipper. Delany, playing her 100th T20, celebrated in style by making an unbeaten 54 from 44 deliveries, which saw her clear the ropes twice as well as hitting three fours as the Irish made 169 for 3. Yet again, the hosts struggled, never threatening at any stage to chase the target. Kelis Ndhlovu made 36, with Louise Little the pick of the attack, taking 2 for 8. With the series wrapped up, Ed Joyce may opt to give the middle and late order some batting practice ahead of the T20 WCQ in a few months.

Another half century for Amy Hunter and four wickets for Ireland skipper Laura Delany were the highlights of another comfortable win for Ireland Women as they took a 2-0 lead in their five match series against Zimbabwe in Harare. Hunter celebrated her 50th cap as she hit 6 fours and 2 sixes in an unbeaten 77 from 57 balls following up her impressive century in Friday's opener. An opening stand of 94 with Gaby Lewis (44) put Ireland in control, with a quickfire 37 in just 17 balls by Orla Prendergast taking them to a total of 172 for 3. The hosts started brightly, but were always well behind the required rate despite a second wicket stand of 54 between Kelis Ndlovu (52), and Pellagia Mujaji (31). Delany's canny bowling proved effective as she took 4 for 12 - her best figures in any of her record 196 appearances for Ed Joyce's side as they clinched a 42-run victory,

It has been all Ireland in the first half of the innings after winning the toss. Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis punishing the bad deliveries to coast relatively untroubled to 87 without loss after 11 overs. Amy Hunter reaches her half century with the first six of the day - 43 balls (5 fours, 1 six) and the 100 comes up in the 12th over. This is the fourth 100 partnership by Ireland in T20I's. The record is 113 by Gaby Lewis and Kim Garth. It's 50 too for Gaby Lewis from 36 balls (9 fours) as the record is broken. The fun ends on 138 as Lewis is lbw as she missed a slog sweep. The big question now is can Hunter get another hundred against Zimbabwe - two years after becoming the youngest ODI centurion? Orla Prendergast goes for 13 as she swings across the line. Rebecca Stokell the new batter but doesn't last long as middle stump knocked out as she heaved across the line. Hunter makes history again. Came off 66 balls with 13 fours and a six. Breakthrough for Alana Dalzell as she ends an opening stand of 38 in the sixth over. The Bready speedster gets her second as Ireland continue their domination. The hosts 62 for 2 after 10 overs. Game all but over - just a question now of the margin of victory. Musonda goes for 46, caught in the deep off Georgina Dempsey, who claims a second shortly after. Cara Murray gets in on the act as wickets tumble. 66 needed off the last over..snookers required..Ireland close out the 57-run win on another record-breaking day for Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis. The next game is on Sunday.

Toss: Zimbabwe. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter gone inside the first five overs both for single figures. Prendergast and Stokell at the crease with half the overs gone - 100 up and Prendergast going well, important partnership this but both fall in quick succession to leave the Girls in Green scrambling to get whatever more runs they can. And the lower order has done well - double figures from numbers 7-11 has given Ireland a total they will hope to defend. Good spread of wickets amongst the Zimbabwean bowlers with all seven used picking up at least one wicket. The hosts made a steady start and it looked as if it was going to be a close-run chase as they reached 59 for 2. However, Cara Murray weaved her magic with her leg-spin claiming 6 for 31 as the hosts lost eight wickets for 40 runs to be bundled out for 99. Her figures are the best by an Irish women in ODI's and only Susan Bray (7-21 v Dutch in 3-day game in 1987) and Isobel Joyce (6-21 v Pakistan in Test 2000) have recorded better analyses in all types of games.

Toss: Ireland. Zimbabwe’s top five all got starts after being put in by Ireland and had taken the total to 196/3 in the 44th over before losing wickets in the final overs as they pushed on. There were four wickets for Arlene Kelly, two in the final over, and one for Freya Sargent plus two run outs in that spell as the hosts set a total that Ireland will be glad isn’t greater. Good start to the reply by the Girls in Green with openers Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis adding 84 for the first wicket before a rain interruption reduced the game to 43 overs and the Target to 203. A frantic last few overs for Ireland as wickets fell to run-outs and the game became tighter, dropped catches, one of which cleared the rope for a maximum aiding their cause. In the end 6 off the final over and 2 off 3 deliveries proved to be 1 too many!

Three wickets apiece for spinners Freya Sargent and Cara Murray have put Ireland in a strong position at the midway point of their first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare. A delayed start followed by a rain interruption reduced the contest to 44 overs, and the hosts were never able to get away from a disciplined Irish attack that took wickets at regular intervals. Waringstown leg-spinner Murray was instrumental in removing the middle-order, while Clontarf teenager Sargent finished the contest strongly. Leinster opening bowler Ava Canning removed the dangerous Mary-Anne Musonda in the 3rd over of the day and took another to finish with 2 for 19, with Laura Delany and Arlene Kelly the other successful bowlers. A total of 170 should be well within the Irish grasp as they begin their chase after lunch. However, more rain has meant another delay. Set a revised target of 110 in 21 overs, Gaby Lewis (65*) hit eleven fours and a six as she and Amy Hunter (36*) knocked off the runs with the minimum of fuss.

Orla Prendergast struck an unbeaten half-century as Ireland warmed up for tomorrow’s first one-day international against Zimbabwe with a convincing 158-run DLS victory over their hosts’ A-team at the Harare Sports Club. In a rain-shortened practice match, Leah Paul (42) and Gaby Lewis (37) set the Girls in Green on course for 222-4 from 36 overs, with an opening stand of 54, and Prendergast hit eight boundaries before retiring on 56. But there was no happy return for Amy Hunter, who was bowled for six, at the ground where she became the youngest ODI centurion - male or female - on her 16th birthday, in October 2021. The DLS calculation asked Zimbabwe to score 259 to win, and with leg-spinner Cara Murray taking 3-13 and Jane Maguire 2-3 from three overs, the home side failed to mount a challenge and were bowled out for 101 in the 32nd over. The second and third matches of the ODI series take place on Sunday and Tuesday, followed by five T20 internationals.