Day 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup European Division Qualifier in Rotterdam produced two commanding performances, as Ireland Women brushed aside hosts Netherlands with a captain’s knock from Gaby Lewis, while Italy Women showcased all-round strength to outplay Germany.
Match 3 – Gaby Lewis Anchors Ireland’s Winning Start Against Netherlands
Ireland Women recorded their second consecutive win, this time defeating Netherlands Women by eight wickets in Rotterdam. Skipper Gaby Lewis was the star of the show, compiling a fluent, unbeaten 66 off 52 balls to guide her side past the target of 138 with four balls to spare.
Put into bat, Netherlands made a steady beginning through Phebe Molkenboer (27 off 30) and Heather Siegers (27 off 24), but a flurry of wickets through the middle overs dented their progress. Captain Babette de Leede (13) and Robine Rijke (3) fell cheaply, leaving the hosts in trouble at 74/4 by the 13th over. Some resistance came from Frederique Overdijk (25 off 21) and Iris Zwilling (12* off 10), but with 20 extras inflating the total, Netherlands finished on 137/6.
Ireland’s bowlers maintained good control, with Laura Delany (2/19) and Arlene Kelly (1/26) effective in the middle overs, while Ava Canning (0/24) and Orla Prendergast (0/24) kept the run rate under check.
Chasing, Ireland lost Amy Hunter (21 off 23) early, but Lewis remained composed, finding able partners in Orla Prendergast (28 off 26) and Leah Paul (17* off 15). Lewis’ knock of 66* off 52 featured 11 fours, showcased both authority and placement, ensuring a smooth chase. Netherlands’ bowling lacked bite, with only Caroline de Lange (1/19) and Iris Zwilling (1/21) striking.
Match 4 – Italy Outclass Germany in Confident Four-Wicket Victory
Italy Women claimed a commanding win over Germany Women, chasing down 114 with ease to seal a four-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.
Germany, sent into bat, faced constant pressure against Italy’s disciplined attack. Shravya Kolcharam (35 off 30) stood out with a confident knock, while Nicole Kingsley (17*) and Verena Stolle (12*) added late runs. Contributions from Wilhelmina Hornero-Garcia (14) and Rameesha Shahid (11) gave starts, but none could carry on.
The Italian bowlers were relentless, led by Ilenia Sims (3/8 in 4 overs), who produced a match-winning spell. Support came from Emilia Bartram (2/4) and Pasindi Kanankege (1/19), restricting Germany to 113/6 in 20 overs.
In reply, Italy lost Methnara Rathnayake early, but skipper Emilia Bartram (20 off 12) counter-attacked to settle nerves. The defining stand came between Ilenia Sims (25 off 32) and Chloe Piparo (37 off 22), who added 52 runs with a mix of composure and aggression. Piparo’s innings, featuring seven boundaries at a strike rate of 168, broke the back of the chase.
Although a mini collapse followed, Alexia Kontopirakis (14* off 13) ensured Italy crossed the line comfortably at 117/6 in 15.4 overs. Germany’s bowlers had their moments, with Iris Edwards (3/13) standing out, but the total waGermanodest to defend.
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