Smriti powers India into semis
- In the third over. Smriti Mandhana stepped out and despatched Ire land pacer Orla Prendergast's length delivery through cover point for her first boundary. It was the beginning of the Indian opener's domination over the Irish bowlers. For the next 75 minutes at the windswept St George's Park at Gqeberha, the southpaw entertained with her career- best 87 (56b; 9x4;3x6).
- In their final league encounter at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup on Monday, India walked away with a five-run victory by the DLS method. Chasing India's 155/6, Ireland were 54/2in8.2overs when rain halted play and no further play was possible.
- India is now placed second on the points table with six points behind England, who play Pakistan on Tuesday in the last Group 2 engagement. In the semifinals, India will be up against Group 1 toppers and defending champions Australia.
- India may have sealed the last-four place alright but were probed by the Irish bowlers. The fact that there were 41 dot balls in the Indian innings, sums up their batting despair despite Smriti's heroics.
- While Smirti-who rode on luck after being put down on four occasions was at ease in testing conditions, the rest of the batters struggled to connect, and their timing were flawed. With gusty wind blowing for the better part of the match before the ra in hit the proceedings, Smriti and Shafali Verma (24; 29b; 3x4) got India off to a good start with their 62-run opening stand.
- Shafali, lacking in fluency, was happy rotating the strike. After surviving a couple of close calls, the youngster eyed the deep square leg for a big one. But she fell short, and a diving Amy Hunter held on to the catch. Ironically, on a day when Smriti punished them for the dropped catches, the Irish Gaby Lewis in particular- held on to some good catches.