Ireland sealed their place in the Super Sixes of the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a 49-run victory over Indonesia in their final Group C encounter at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Thursday morning.
The young Irish side won the toss and elected to bat first, as they sought to end their group stages on a high, after losses to New Zealand and the West Indies. They lost two wickets early, as Ni Luh Ketut Wesika Ratna Dewi wreaked havoc with the swinging new ball.
Bowling massive in-swingers, she asked some testing questions of the Irish top-order, as she got rid of Siuin Woods and Annabel Squires in her opening burst. Her celebrations matched the quality of the deliveries, as Indonesia enjoyed their final outing, too.
Beyond those early wickets, Ireland started repairing their innings and built a formidable total. Rebecca Gough hurried to 27 from just 17 balls, notching five boundaries in the process.
After she fell, Georgina Dempsey (50 from 38 balls, with five fours) and Zara Craig (52 not out from 45 balls) then combined to add 93 for the fourth wicket. That alliance took the game beyond the reach of the Indonesian side.
Dempsey did fall after reaching her half-century, as she was cleverly deceived in the flight by Ni Kadek Ariani and was caught in the covers. Craig saw the innings through, striking five boundaries, too, as Ireland posted 156 for five.
The response with the bat for Indonesia was spirited, albeit limited. Ratna Dewi added a fighting 34 from 40 balls (two fours) to her wickets, but there was little in the way of sustained support for her at the crease.
The wickets were shared around by Ireland – indeed, only Freya Sargent didn’t pick up a scalp, as the constant changes kept Indonesia in check. Craig helped herself to two for 4 in two overs, to complete a wonderful all-round display for her country.
Indonesia ultimately closed on 107 for eight in their 20 overs, to complete a true journey of discovery for the entire squad.
Ireland’s stay in South Africa is not yet over, and they now move onto the Super Sixes, where they will look to apply the lessons learnt in Group C.
Scores in brief:
Toss: Ireland, who elected to bat first.
Ireland 156 for five in 20 overs (Zara Craig 52 not out, Georgina Dempsey 50, Rebecca Gough 27, Ni Kadek Ariani three for 30, Ni Luh Ketut Wesika Ratna Dewi two for 23)
Indonesia 107 for eight in 20 overs (Ni Luh Ketut Wesika Ratna Dewi 34, Zara Craig two for 4, Georgina Dempsey one for 5)
Ireland won by 49 runs.