Namibia Women got off to a disastrous start against Ireland Women in the 19th match of Group A at Kirtipur in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, as their top order crumbled under disciplined Irish bowling. The innings began on a shaky note with Jurriene Diergaardt falling for a 10-ball duck, trapped lbw by Alana Dalzell, before Yasmeen Khan departed for 0 off 3 balls, caught by Gaby Lewis off Orla Prendergast. With Namibia reeling at 2 for 8 inside the first three overs, pressure mounted early.
A brief recovery came through Kayleen Green and Merczerly Gorases, who stitched together a stabilising partnership after the early collapse. Green played with intent, striking 32 off 23 balls with five boundaries and a six, while Gorases anchored the innings with 19 off 30 deliveries. Their stand brought some momentum, but Lara McBride broke through to remove Gorases, and Green was later caught off Arlene Kelly’s bowling, leaving Namibia at 37 for 3.
Wilka Mwatile then took responsibility, scoring a brisk 28 off 27 balls, combining with Sune Wittmann (11 off 8) to push the innings forward. However, Jane Maguire’s double strike halted the acceleration, dismissing both Wittmann and Naomi Benjamin (2 off 4). Lower down the order, Mekelaye Mwatile (6* off 6) and Eveleen Kejarukua (3* off 5) added some late runs, but Namibia continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, including Sylvia Shihepo for a duck. They eventually closed their innings at 107 for 8 in 20 overs, with Ireland’s bowling unit sharing the spoils.
For Ireland, Jane Maguire (3/31) and Lara McBride (3/17) were the standout bowlers, while Alana Dalzell and Orla Prendergast claimed one wicket each. Arlene Kelly and Louise Little bowled economical spells, keeping the run rate in check throughout the innings.
In reply, Ireland Women started confidently but lost Rebecca Stokell for 2 off 6 balls, trapped lbw by Saima Tuhadeleni. Captain Gaby Lewis played a composed innings of 33 off 31 balls, striking six boundaries before falling to Wilka Mwatile. The decisive partnership came through Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul, who dismantled the Namibian attack with controlled aggression. Prendergast was in sublime touch, smashing 39 off 28 balls with six fours, while Leah Paul contributed 27 off 20 balls, ensuring Ireland never fell behind the required rate.
Namibia’s bowling saw Saima Tuhadeleni and Wilka Mwatile pick up a wicket each, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the Irish batters, with Sylvia Shihepo proving particularly expensive.
Player of the Match Orla Prendergast delivered a complete performance, contributing with both bat and ball, and also taking two catches in the field. Her all-round display was central to Ireland’s dominant victory, strengthening their position in the Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier standings.
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