Ireland beat USA in second T20 World Cup qualifier

After winning the toss, Ireland posted 154-7. Despite losing Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast cheaply, a crucial 77-run partnership between Gaby Lewis, who made 42, and top-scorer Leah Paul, hitting a brilliant 67, rescued the innings. Tara Norris claimed 3-10 for the USA.

In reply, the Americans finished on 138-8. Arlene Kelly dazzled with bowling figures of 4-20, ably supported by Ava Canning and Aimee Maguire, who took two wickets apiece. Although Ritu Singh contributed a fighting 41, frequent dismissals halted any momentum.

Having previously beaten Papua New Guinea, Ireland will clinch a Super Sixes spot by defeating Bangladesh on Saturday. The top three from each group reach that stage, with the top four finalists eventually progressing to the finals held in England this coming June.