Australian women trounce Ireland, keep semi-final hopes alive

Australian women's team kept their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Ireland in their final group league game of the ICC World T20, here on Saturday.

After restricting Ireland to a paltry 91 for seven in 20 overs, the 'Southern Stars' raced to the target in only 13.2 overs to finish the match in style.

The defending champions thus finished with six points from four league games and will have to wait for New Zealand's game against South Africa to know their qualification status.

If the New Zealand women win, the Southern Stars will be through to last four stage.

The Irish women could never really get going as the Aussie bowlers maintained a disciplined off and middle stump line.

In reply, Australian team were always in command despite losing Alyssa Healy (6) early in the innings due to a mistimed pull-shot off Ciara Metcalfe.

Skipper Meg Lanning (8) was also out cheaply but Elyse Villani (43) and all-rounder Ellyse Perry (29) added 54 runs together for the third wicket to seal the issue with 40 balls to spare. Villani hit six boundaries in 35 balls while Perry's innings had three hits to the fence.

Brief Scores: Ireland: 91/7 in 20 overs (Clare Shillington 23, Kim Garth 27, Megan Schutt 3/29). Australia: 92/3 in 13.2 overs (Elyse Villani 43, Ellyse Perry 29 no). Australia won by 7 wickets.