Ireland women record second cricket win as they overcome China

Ireland will take on Zimbabwe on Tuesday to decide the winner of Group B at the Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in Bangkok after completing wins over the Netherlands and China at the weekend.

Ireland skipper Isobel Joyce produced a fantastic all-round performance in Sunday’s hard-fought 28-run victory over the Chinese. In a low-scoring game, Joyce hit 41 not out from 36 balls in Ireland’s total of 104 for six and also returned figures of two for 11 in four overs as China were kept to 76 for seven in their 20 overs.

Joyce also led the way with the ball against the Netherlands on Saturday, taking three for 18 as the Dutch were restricted to a score of 90 for six, before her twin sister Cecelia hit 39 from 30 balls in a 74-run opening stand with Clare Shillington (33 from 29) as Ireland got home with more than eight overs to spare.

Zimbabwe started off with an easy 10-wicket victory over China but were given a huge scare against the Netherlands, winning by just two runs as the Dutch suffered two run outs in the final over. Ireland will be looking for a win in a bid to avoid tournament favourites Bangladesh in the semi-finals. The two finalists will qualify for the World Twenty20 in India next year.