The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier kick-started on August 26 with three matches being played on the very first day. It was a stellar start to the tournament as two records were created. Ireland’s Gaby Lewis became the first Irish woman to score a T20I century and Netherlands’ Frederique Overdijk shattered the world record books to become the first player to pick up seven wickets in a T20I game.
Match 1 – Netherlands vs Scotland Women’s Cricket
The first match of the ICC Women’s T20 Europe Qualifier was played between Netherlands and Scotland on August 26 at the La Manga Top Ground, Murcia, Spain. Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Scotland reduced Netherlands to a paltry 98-5 in 20 overs. Apart from a couple of run-outs, Kathryn Bryce, Abtaha Maqsood and Katie McGill accounted for one wicket apiece. For Netherlands, Robine Rijke top scored with 43 and received good support from skipper Heather Siegers, who chipped in with a useful 31. In reply, Scotland chased down the target in just 16.3 overs, winning the match by six wickets. Sarah Bryce led the chase scoring a blistering 46. With the ball, it was Netherlands’ Caroline de Lange, who wreaked havoc picking up all four wickets that fell during Scotland’s batting innings. Sarah Bryce was awarded as the player of the match.
Scotland beat Netherlands by 6 Wickets (with 21 balls remaining)
Sarah Bryce scored 46 Runs in 36 Balls to help seal the victory.#WT20Q pic.twitter.com/mQmyhitnE3
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 26, 2021
Match 2 – Germany vs Ireland Women’s Cricket
The second match of the day was played between Ireland and Germany at La Manga Bottom Ground, Murcia. Batting first, Ireland posted a mammoth 196-2, riding on a masterclass by Gaby Lesweewis, who muscled an unbeaten 105 off just 60 balls. Chasing a daunting target, Germany could only manage 32-3 in 20 overs, losing the game by a huge margin of 164 runs. Lewis became the first Irish woman to score a century in a T20I.
Earlier today, Ireland’s Gaby Lewis scripted her name in the record books, becoming the first female player to score a T20I Century! 😍
105* Runs
60 Balls
11 * 4s
3 * 6sCongratulations @lewis_gaby 👏👏
📸 @IrishWomensCric pic.twitter.com/VBQCzMHrw5
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 26, 2021
Match 3 – France vs Netherlands Women’s Cricket
The third match of the day was played between France and Netherlands. Facing a defeat early in the day, Netherlands came out strong to comprehensively defeat France by nine wickets. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, France did not get off to the best of starts and they were bundled out for a miserly 33 in 17.3 overs. Right arm seamer Frederique Overdijk created a world record to become the first ever bowler in T20I cricket to scalp seven wickets. The 21-year old bowled four overs, including two maidens, and picked up 7-3. Netherlands achieved the target in just 3.3 overs to pocketed two important points.
🚨RECORD ALERT🚨
The first-ever bowler to take 7 Wickets in a T20I Match.
4 Overs
2 Maidens
3 Runs
7 Wickets.Frederique Overdijk – Remember her name! @KNCBcricket pic.twitter.com/XmKE4QS4Wb
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 26, 2021
Day 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier will see another three matches being played. Ireland will take on Scotland, Germany will lock horns against France first and then against the Netherlands.
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.