India win rain-hit game against Ireland to enter semis
Smriti Mandhana’s 87 off 56 and rain together conspired to deny Ireland in Gqeberha and launched India into the semifinal of the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup. Chasing a target of 156, Ireland were stopped in their tracks by inclement weather at St George’s Park. Then at 54/2 in the ninth over, Laura Delany’s side was found to be five runs short of the DLS target, resulting in a narrow loss that saw India join Australia and England in the final four. The final league game between South Africa and Bangladesh will decide the fourth semifinalist. If the hosts win then they will be through; if they lose, New Zealand stand a good chance of making it through considering the marginal NRR difference between the two teams. Brief Scores: India 155/6 (Smriti Mandhana 87;Orla Prendergast 2-22) beat Ireland 54/2 in 8.2 overs (Gaby Lewis 32*; Renuka Thakur Singh 1-10) by 5 runs via DLS method.
