Women's T20 WC: England look to build momentum as Ireland seek first win (Preview)
Southampton, June 15
Ireland will be aiming to recover from an opening defeat when they take on Group B leaders England in their Women's T20 World Cup clash on Tuesday at The Rose Bowl, which pits one of the tournament's early strugglers against one of its most dominant teams so far.
Ireland head into the fixture after a 40-run loss to Scotland. Chasing 162, they found themselves on the back foot after losing Alana Dalzell and captain Gaby Lewis inside the Powerplay. Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast briefly revived the chase with a partnership that kept hopes alive, but both fell at crucial moments as Ireland were eventually bowled out for 121.
Hunter has been Ireland's standout batter in the competition with 39 runs, while Ava Canning impressed with the ball in the opener, picking up three wickets.
England, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after producing one of the most commanding performances of the tournament. The hosts dismantled Sri Lanka by 87 runs after piling up 219 for one in their opening match.
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge starred with a scintillating 105 from 62 deliveries, sharing a century opening stand with Amy Jones, who contributed 53. The pair laid the platform for England's highest total of the tournament so far and ensured Sri Lanka never got close to the target.
The bowlers then completed the job clinically, with Freya Kemp leading the charge through a four-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 132.
England sit atop Group B with a superior net run rate and will be favourites to extend their winning start. Ireland, however, know that a positive result could quickly revive their campaign and throw the group wide open.
The contest will likely hinge on whether Ireland's batting unit can cope with England's varied bowling attack and whether Hunter and Prendergast can provide the stability that was missing in the latter stages against Scotland.
When: Tuesday, June 16, 11:00 PM IST
Where: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
Where to watch: The ENG vs IRE match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game.
Squads:
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Ireland: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
— IANS
Reader Comments
I really hope Ireland can pull off an upset. Their batting needs to show more consistency though — losing early wickets in Powerplay is never good. Watching women's cricket grow internationally is so heartening. Let's see if they can challenge England's pace attack! 🇮🇪
England looks like the team to beat in this group. But frankly, Ireland need a complete batting overhaul. 121 all out chasing 162 is just not acceptable at this level. They'll need someone to step up big time if they want to stay in contention.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's captaincy has been impressive. And Freya Kemp with that four-wicket haul! England's bowling depth is scary. But the real test will be against stronger teams. Hoping for a competitive match though — underdogs always bring drama! 🎯
I think Amy Hunter is a gem for Ireland. She's only 19 and already their top scorer. The future is bright for Irish women's cricket if they can build around her. But England today is just a different beast altogether. Good learning experience!
Honestly, this tournament is showing how far the gap is between the top teams and the rest. Ireland's 40-run loss to Scotland says it all. While I admire their spirit, England will probably win by 50+ runs. But that's okay — every team has to start somewhere. Building from here!
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