A defeat against England denting their confidence, India will look to bounce back with a victory against Ireland here on Monday, to remain in contention for a semi-final berth in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

After the 11-run loss to England on Saturday, their first defeat in the showpiece, India are in second spot with four points from three matches behind England (six points from three straight wins) who have qualified for the semi-finals.

The Harmanpreet Kaurled side will now need not only a win against Ireland in their last group match on Monday but also a big one to have any chance of filling up the remaining semi-final spot from Group 2. They need to improve their net run rate from the current + 0.205.

Ireland, on the other hand, are already out of contention for a semi-final berth, having lost all their three matches.

To win big against Ireland, India’s batting needs to fire, especially captain Harmanpreet and opener Shafali Verma, as both have not played a significant knock so far.

Young Richa Ghosh has been the most consistent batt e r f o r India with scores of 31, 44 and 47 not out, and she would be looking to continue with her good form against Ireland.

In the bowling department, the 5/15 against England, her career-best, should spur pacer Renuka Singh while the seasoned Deepti Sharma had been the most consistent Indian bowler so far.

Today’s matches

⚫ India vs Ireland. Live from 6.30pm IST on Star Sports Network.

Matthews stars for West Indies

Paarl: Hayley Matthews starred with her 20 and 2/14 with the ball as the West Indies eked out a three-run win over Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday.

In reply to the Windies’ 116/6 after they opted to bat first, Pakistan finished at 113/5. With 18 needed off the final over, Pakistan batters managed three boundaries as they brought the equation down to five off the last two balls. But Shamilia Connell held her nerves and after dismissing the dangerous-looking Aliya Riaz (29), she conceded only a single to Omaima Sohail much to the delight of the Windies.

On Saturday, Tahlia McGrath struck a blistering 57 as defending champions Australia beat South Africa by six wickets to storm into the semi-finals of the tournament. Australia chased down 125 with 21 balls to spare on Saturday as they notched up their fourth win on the trot to top Group 1.

Brief scores: WI Women 116/6 in 20 ovs. Pakistan Women 113/5 (A. Riaz 29; H. Matthews 2/14). WI Women won by 3 runs.

Written with Reuters inputs