The action in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier continued with two contrasting encounters on day 4. In Match 7, Ireland Women delivered a dominant performance against Germany Women, sealing a record 179-run victory built on Amy Hunter’s scintillating century. Later in the day, Match 8 saw the Netherlands Women showcase their all-round strength with a clinical seven-wicket win over Italy Women, as their bowlers set the tone before Robine Rijke guided the chase with an unbeaten knock.
Day 4: Amy Hunter’s Unbeaten 114 Keeps Ireland Streak Alive, Robine Rijke Stars for Netherlands
Match 7: Germany Women vs Ireland Women
Ireland Women showcased their dominance in Match 7 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier, registering a thumping 179-run victory over Germany Women. It was a one-sided affair that underlined the gulf in experience and firepower between the two sides.
Batting first, Ireland Women put up a commanding total of 223/1 in their 20 overs, their highest team total. The innings was headlined by a spectacular knock from young batting star Amy Hunter, who played with elegance and authority to finish unbeaten on 114* off just 67 deliveries, striking at a remarkable 170.14. Her innings was filled with crisp boundaries and confident stroke play, leaving the German bowlers with no answers.
Supporting Hunter at the top, Christina Coulter Reilly contributed 21 off 22 balls, providing a steady platform, while Leah Paul added to the carnage with a blistering 62* off 33 deliveries, striking at 187.87. The pair’s aggressive intent kept the scoreboard racing and ensured Ireland crossed the 200-mark with ease. Germany’s only consolation came from Rameesha Shahid, who picked up the sole wicket in the innings.
In reply, Germany Women never looked settled against a disciplined and varied Irish bowling attack. The top order crumbled early, with Wilhelmina Hornero-Garcia dismissed for 5 and Karthika Vijayaraghavan for just 2. The middle and lower order fared no better- Rameesha Shahid (6), Ameya Kanukuntla (9), and skipper Asmita Kohli (1) were unable to withstand the relentless pressure. The German innings never gathered momentum and eventually folded for 44/8 in their 20 overs. None of their batters managed to cross double figures, reflecting the dominance of Ireland’s bowling unit.
With the batters setting the tone, Ireland’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to complete the rout. Leah Paul capped off her all-round show by returning excellent figures of 2/4, while Laura Delany chipped in with 2/15. The rest of the attack was equally effective: Jane Maguire (1/3), Freya Sargent (1/5), and Cara Murray (1/6) all kept things tight, never allowing Germany to settle into any rhythm.
Match 8: Italy Women vs Netherlands Women
The Netherlands Women secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Italy Women in Match 8 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Division 1 Qualifier, further strengthening their campaign in the tournament.
Batting first, Italy Women could only muster 86/9 in their 20 overs against a disciplined and incisive Dutch bowling unit. Their innings began on the back foot when opener Methnara Rathnayake fell for a duck, putting immediate pressure on the top order. Alexia Kontopirakis (10) and captain Chloe Piparo (13) attempted to rebuild but were unable to provide the kind of partnerships Italy desperately needed.
The middle order fared no better, with wickets falling at regular intervals. However, Emilia Bartram stood tall amidst the collapse, anchoring the innings with a fighting, unbeaten 29* off 35 balls, showing resilience and composure under pressure. At the lower end, Emma Moore chipped in with 13 runs, offering some resistance and helping Italy inch closer to the 90-run mark.
For the Netherlands, the bowlers shared the honours with impressive control and accuracy. Iris Zwilling led the way, claiming 3/14, while Silver Siegers (2/8) and Caroline de Lange (2/11) provided excellent support, dismantling the Italian line-up and restricting them to a modest total.
Chasing a modest target of 87, the Netherlands Women approached their innings with composure and intent, reaching the target in just 15.1 overs. Opener Phebe Molkenboer set the tone at the top with a quick 15 off 13 balls, ensuring there was no early pressure on the chase.
Captain Babette de Leede then guided the innings with a steady 24 off 36 deliveries, providing the stability required to anchor the chase. The standout performer, however, was Robine Rijke, who displayed excellent stroke play and finished unbeaten on 35* off 31 balls, steering the Dutch side to a comfortable victory with seven wickets in hand.
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