Ireland Women levelled the series with a comprehensive 61-run win over Scotland Women in the second of the four-match series, held at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, on 25 May.
Ireland skipper Laura Delaney decided to bat first after winning the toss. Kathryn Bryce struck in her first over, bowling Rebecca Stokell (7) through the gates. Delaney herself then fell for a two-ball duck, to Katie McGill.
Gaby Lewis and Shauna Kavanagh then added 68 runs for the third wicket. Lewis kept finding the occasional boundary, something Kavanagh (31 to 35) struggled to. Lewis scored 47 off 39, with the help of six fours, before getting caught by Becky Glen.
Lara Maritz (16 off 15) and Orla Prendergast (24 off 23) then added quick runs to take Ireland to 137/6.
Chasing 138, Scotland lost both openers, Becky Glen and Sarah Bryce, quickly. Glen got out for a golden duck, while Bryce added two before getting dismissed by Ava Canning.
Scotland never really recovered from the early setbacks. They kept losing wickets at alarming frequency. Kathryn Bryce and Katie McGill were the only batters to reach double figures. McGill was bowled by Delany and Bryce caught by Lara Maritz off Leah Paul.
Paul then went on to add three more victims to her tally to return match figures of 4-16. Other than Lee, Prendergast and Delany picked up two wickets apiece.
It was a great comeback for a depleted Ireland side, playing without a string of regulars. In fact, they had to rely on top performers from the domestic tournament – Arachas Super Series – to complete their squad.
Brief score
Ireland 137/4 in 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 47; Katie McGill 2-26) defeated Scotland 76 in 16.3 overs (Katie McGill 19, Leah Paul 4-16) by 61 runs. Player of the Match: Gaby Lewis.