ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier – Looking ahead to Day 5
Matches on Saturday, February 11
Group A:
Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Nondescript Cricket Club
Ireland v Thailand, Colombo Cricket Club
Group B:
South Africa v Bangladesh, P Sara Oval
Scotland v PNG, Mercantile Cricket Association
Match in focus: Ireland v Thailand
Thailand captain Sornnarin Tippoch’s blinder to get rid of New Zealand’s Josephine Nkomo is a strong contender for the catch of the tournament. Thailand, who came into the tournament having never played a 50-over game, struggled in its first match against a strong Indian side. But it gave a good account of itself in the second game against Zimbabwe, managing to play out 47.3 overs before falling short by 36 runs. The captain also made a strong fifty.
It is that spirit that the team will want to carry forward into its third match of the tournament and continue its development in the one-dayers.
For Ireland, it has been a tough start to the tournament. It began with a comfortable win, but hasn’t been able to get the results against a higher-ranked side that it has worked towards. The team will still back itself to make it to the Super Sixes, but a win on Saturday is vital for its momentum and a boost to flagging spirits after a tough – and busy – few days. Laura Delany would expect her bowlers to back each other with end-to-end bowling, supporting the likes of Isobel Joyce and Kim Garth. The batters too need to apply themselves to build strong partnerships, setting aside the loss of Meg Kendal, who injured her hamstring.
Where the teams stand:
India became the first team to qualify for the Super Six after it won its third match to be unbeaten in Group A. The chances are that it will also be able to carry over four points into the next stage. Zimbabwe got its first win of the tournament, fending off the Thailand attack, but Thailand did well to bat out nearly 50 overs. In Group B, South Africa enjoyed a break on Thursday, and will be keen to come back refreshed and reclaim its top spot in the group. Pakistan’s big win over PNG boosted its net run-rate to take it to first in Group B, having played one match more than South Africa.
Quote of the day:
Ayesha Zafar, after her brisk hundred against PNG: “It’s just a start, I hope I keep it coming. They (PNG bowlers) were really consistent with their bowling. They did well in the start. But I adjusted well to it and I guess it paid off. This (Pakistan’s) is a new team. There are a fair number of youngsters as well as the seniors. We’re getting along together. The combination is great and we’re enjoying ourselves. I guess you’ll be seeing us in the finals.”
Number of note:
MD Thirushkamini’s unbeaten 130 against Ireland was her highest score in ODIs and her first in four years. She became the fourth Indian opener bat through the innings and score a century. Her opening partnership of 174 with Deepti Sharma was India’s fifth-best ever.
