Irish captain isobel Joyce was delighted to have put recent disappointments behind her to lead her team to T20 World Cup qualification.

Joyce who became the second woman to play 100 times for her country during the competition scored a 'Player of the Match' unbeaten 72 as Ireland won a nail-biting encounter against European rivals The Netherlands, winning by just two runs.

"We are absolutely ecstatic to have won qualification today after a hard fought victory against The Netherlands.

"It was great to play the game after two days of waiting and to win it in that manner made it all the more special. These are the days we play cricket for - to test ourselves - and the Dutch certainly tested us to the end.

"Personally, I was so happy to lead from the front. It hasn't been the best tournament for me personally but to score those runs meant so much to me and I am so proud of every player involved.

"Every person on and off the field had a hand in that win and we're just so excited to finally be back on the world stage."

Joyce and her team mates will now go through along with joint winners Pakistan and Sri Lanka to the finals in Bangladesh in April 2014.

They will hopefully be joined by the Senior Mens team who will play in their qualification tournament in the UAE from November 15-30.

Ireland have been handed the easier of the two groups following the seedings draw, and will be based in Abu Dhabi for the Pool games.