Ed Joyce can leave South Africa with his head held high this week even if, as expected, his Ireland side lose to India in Port Elizabeth today and finish bottom of their group without a win in the women’s T20 World Cup.

Head coach Joyce has overseen a stunning transformation in his squad in the past year that has taken them from also rans to genuinely competing with the big hitters of world cricket.

In Gaby Lewis, Amy Hunter and Ireland’s star of the tournament Orla Prendergast he has a top three who can carry the Girls in Green forward for years to come 

The icing on the cake for Joyce would have been a victory over Pakistan or the West Indies but his young side - the majority of whom are under 23 - bowled poorly against the former and allowed nerves to get the better of them when beating the latter.

So barring a major upset against India at St George’s Park, the highlight of the tour will remain the three-wicket victory over defending champions Australia in an official warm-up match. 

Skipper Laura Delany is calling for a final push from her side and  looking for more consistency in their last group game.

“What's most exciting for us is that we haven't played our best cricket yet and we want to put in a really good performance against India and show everyone what we can do,” Delany said.

“We've performed well in certain parts of the game. Our top order has performed with great intent, but we've failed to kick on in the latter stages of innings, and while we've bowled well at times - we just haven't been consistent.

“Nerves have definitely got the better of a few players, which is understandable because several in this group have never competed in a World Cup before.

“I'm really excited about where this team can go. I know that we're heading in the right direction, irrespective of the results, and there’s so much potential within the squad.”