India scrapes into T20 World Cup semi finals after rainy win over Ireland
India has scraped through to the semi finals at the Women's T20 World Cup after narrowly winning its rain-shortened final group game against Ireland.
India triumphed by five runs after setting a target of 6-155, boosted by another half-century by star opener Smriti Mandhana, who survived a host of chances to make a career-best 87 from 56 balls.
Ireland was 2-54 in 8.2 overs and just behind the rate needed when rain arrived at St George's Park in Gqeberha.
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Harmanpreet Kaur leaves the field as rain delays play during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup group B match between India and Ireland. ICC via Getty Images
It meant India moved to second in Group 2 behind England and will likely go on to a semi final against defending champion and top-ranked Australia on Friday at Newlands — unless England loses to Pakistan by enough that its net run rate dips under India's. Then India will qualify as the top team of Group 2.
“Good to get into the semis and we will give 100 per cent,” Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur said.
The Group 2 winner will play whoever qualifies behind Australia in Group 1.
New Zealand is in a position to do that but host nation South Africa could seize the last semi final place if it beats Bangladesh.
For India, Mandhana's 87 followed her 52 in a losing effort against England last week.
The left hand batter hit nine fours and three sixes against Ireland to underline she is back to her best after missing India's opening game of the tournament with a finger injury.
Ireland, which dropped Mandhana four times, including twice in two overs, finally held onto a chance when Gaby Lewis took a catch down at long-off.
Ireland had a disastrous start to its chase when Amy Hunter was run out going for a second run off the first ball of the innings. Orla Prendergast was bowled by Renuka Singh off the fifth ball of the first over and Ireland was reeling at 1-2.
Lewis (32*) and captain Laura Delany (17*) brought Ireland back and might have done enough to win if they hadn't scored only singles for the last 2.2 overs before the rain.
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