Ireland defeat Canada to qualify for semi-final

Ireland's women's cricket team have qualified for the semi-finals of the Twenty 20 World Cup qualifier competition after a 77-run victory over Canada at Merrion Cricket Club.

It is Ireland's second win of the group stages after their opening group win over Japan and they will most certainly go onto play Pakistan in Mondays semi-final at YMCA as they bid to make next year's finals in Bangladesh.

Having won the toss, Ireland decided to bat on a cloudy overcast morning and made 146 for seven from their allotted 20 overs with Malahide's Claire Shlllington the star of the Irish innings.

She made 81 from just 60 deliveries which included 12 fours before she was run out in the 18th over.

Shillington also made 114 not out in Ireland's opening T20 qualifier against Japan at the Hills CC last Tuesday.

Canada never looked like making Ireland's total in their reply and were bowled out for just 69 in 19.2 overs

Ireland are chasing one of three places available to qualify for next year's finals in Bangladesh, which will include the two finalists and the winner of the third and fourth place play-off.