Rotterdam, Aug 25 (IANS): Ireland strengthened their bid for a place at next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a fourth consecutive win at the Europe Qualifier in the Netherlands, securing a berth in the Global Qualifier.
Gaby Lewis’ side cruised past Germany on Sunday with a dominant 179-run victory, underlining their status as favourites to progress. The Global Qualifier, scheduled for January in Nepal, will decide the final four teams for the 2026 T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Ireland, already four-time participants, are well placed to make their fifth appearance.
Teen prodigy Amy Hunter starred again at Rotterdam’s Hazelaarweg Stadium, smashing her second T20I century. She struck 17 fours in an unbeaten 114 off 67 balls, propelling Ireland to 223/1. Hunter shared valuable stands with Christina Coulter Reilly (21) and Leah Paul (62*), giving her side full control of the contest.
Germany, in reply, were restricted to 44/8 as Paul and Laura Delany picked up two wickets apiece to complete a comprehensive win.
Ireland have two more matches left in the regional qualifier — against hosts Netherlands on Tuesday and Italy on Wednesday — before turning their attention to the Global Qualifier.
Skipper Lewis hailed the squad’s growing depth and competition for places:
“Everybody who’s come in has taken their chance. It makes selection harder, but that’s what we want — it pushes us to get better as a team.”
Ireland’s unbeaten run has put them firmly on track for a potential return to the world stage next year.
