Women’s T20 World Cup qualifying warm-up
Zimbabwe 125-6 (20 overs): CT Dhururu 42, J Nkomo 25; C Murray 2-21
Ireland 128-6 (19 overs): O Prendergast 53, L Delany 31; C Chatonzwa
Ireland win by four wickets
Scorecard (external), external
Orla Prendergast hit 53 as Ireland defeated Zimbabwe by four wickets in their final warm-up match ahead of qualifying for the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup.
Ireland had already beaten Nepal by 99 runs in their first warm-up on Wednesday and had too much for Zimbabwe in Kathmandu.
Zimbabwe were sent to bat first by Ireland and were restricted to 125 despite the best efforts of Chiedza Dhururu, who was not out on 42.
Despite losing Gaby Lewis on her first ball, Amy Hunter and Prendergast set about chasing down Zimbabwe’s tally.
Prendergast retired after reaching her half-century off 37 balls, and although the Irish lost Leah Paul, Laura Delany and Rebecca Stokell, a combined 19 from Coulter Reilly and Kelly handed Ireland victory with an over to spare.
Lloyd Tennant’s side open their World Cup qualifying bid against Papa New Guinea on Sunday before matches with the USA, Bangladesh and Namibia.
The top three teams in each group will qualify for the Super Six Stage, which takes place from 28 January until 2 February, and the four best teams will qualify for the World Cup.