Sound the alarms! 10th ranked Ireland have humbled defending champions Australia in a last over thriller at Stellenbosch. In a total team effort, Ireland managed to chase down 169 with three wickets in hand and just two balls to spare to wake up Meg Lanning-led Australia before they begin their title defense.
In the run chase of 169, Amy Hunter got her side off to a good start with a 14-ball 26 cameo. Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen got rid of both openers but the flow of runs did not take a hit. Ola Prendergast used the fielding restrictions and contributed with a 15-ball 26.
On the other end, skipper Laura Delany played the anchor role. Despite losing four wickets in the first half, Ireland were well on track in the run chase. Louis Little took more attacking approach but her innings was cut-short by Alana King. Little contributed with a 16-ball 21. At the start of slog overs, Heather Graham got the crucial wicket of skipper Delay who scored 32 off 28 deliveries.
At 138/6 and 31 more to win from 23 deliveries Australia were on top but the Irish luck did not run out/ Wicketkeeper-batter Mary Waldron hit three boundaries in her 9-ball 15 before getting dismissed by Schutt. The economical penultimate over from Schutt meant Ireland needed nine runs from the final over. Under pressure Leah Paul hit a six off Tahlia McGrath to turn the game in their favour. Two singles of the next two deliveries ensured Ireland's victory in the warm-up encounter.
Earlier, Alyssa Healy's 40-ball 62, Mcgrath's 47-ball 56 and Ellyse Perry's unbeaten 40 off 20 balls helped Australia post 168/5 after skipper Meg Lanning won the toss and opted to bat first.
Ireland women have taken on Australia in eight T20Is and 15 ODIs but are yet to win a single encounter against them in the international arena. Same is the case for the men’s side as well. This is a major boost for Ireland who are placed in Group B which includes England, India, Pakistan and West Indies. The win is also a warning for the teams to not take Ireland lightly in group stages as they are capable of pulling off an upset.
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