Ireland Women produced a composed all-round performance to secure a crucial 16-run victory over the United States of America Women in the 10th match of Group A at Mulpani on January 22, 2026, in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. The contest saw momentum swing at different phases, but Ireland’s disciplined batting effort followed by a collective bowling display ensured they stayed ahead of the chase.
After being asked to bat, Ireland Women got off to a lively start through openers Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis, who stitched together a brisk opening partnership. Hunter looked fluent early on, striking three boundaries in her 18 off 13 balls before being dismissed at 27 for the first wicket. Lewis continued to anchor the innings and formed another stand with Orla Prendergast, but Prendergast departed cheaply for 0, leaving Ireland at 27/2 inside the powerplay.
Lewis steadied the innings with a controlled 42 off 32 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and one six, before she fell at 104/3 in the 13.5th over. The innings truly took shape through Leah Paul, who played a defining knock under pressure. Paul combined patience with calculated aggression, forming a crucial partnership with Laura Delany, who contributed 5 off 8 balls before being dismissed at 125/4.
Paul carried on and added another key stand with Rebecca Stokell, who chipped in with a handy 10 off 8 balls, including a six. Paul’s 67 off 52 balls, laced with eight boundaries, proved to be the backbone of Ireland’s innings as they closed on 154/7 in 20 overs at a run rate of 7.70. Tara Norris was the standout bowler for USA Women with figures of 3/10 in 4 overs, while Saanvi Immadi and Taranum Chopra picked up one wicket each. Aditiba Chudasama, Isani Vaghela, and others were a bit expensive, conceding runs at crucial moments.
In response, USA Women began with intent but struggled to maintain momentum against Ireland’s disciplined bowling. Disha Dhingra provided a brisk start with 12 off 9 balls, while Chetna Pagdiyala added 22 off 25 balls to keep the innings steady. Ella Claridge played a quick cameo of 13 off 8, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, preventing any big partnership from blossoming. The middle order saw Isani Vaghela (5 off 5) and skipper Aditiba Chudasama (14 off 25) trying to rebuild, but the required rate kept climbing.
Ritu Singh emerged as the key aggressor, scoring a vital 41 off 30 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, and shared a useful partnership with Tara Norris, who added 13 off 14 balls. However, Ireland’s bowlers struck at decisive moments. Arlene Kelly delivered an exceptional spell, picking up 4 wickets for just 20 runs in her 4 overs, while Ava Canning and Aimee Maguire bagged two wickets each. Lara McBride bowled economically, conceding only 19 runs in her four-over spell, and Alana Dalzell and Orla Prendergast provided supporting roles. USA Women eventually finished on 138/8 in 20 overs, falling short by 16 runs.
Leah Paul was named Player of the Match for her match-defining 67, which laid the foundation for Ireland’s total and proved decisive in the end. The win keeps Ireland Women firmly in contention in Group A, while USA Women will reflect on missed opportunities and the lack of a big partnership during the chase.
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