Lewis stars in Ireland's qualifier win over Italy
Gaby Lewis hit 42 as Ireland beat Italy by 63 runs
- Published
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier Division One, Hazelaarweg Stadion
Ireland 166-4 (20 overs): Lewis 42 (37), Stokell 38 (24); Sims 2-26
Italy 103-7 (20 overs): Piparo 29 (23), Wikman 29 (34); Kelly 3-7
Ireland won by 63 runs
Gaby Lewis hit 42 as Ireland beat Italy in their third Women's T20 World Cup European qualifier in Rotterdam.
The skipper also made two catches in the field, both off the bowling of Arlene Kelly who took three wickets for just seven runs.
At the halfway stage of the double round robin, in which Ireland have also beaten Germany and the Netherlands, Lloyd Tennant's side are in a strong position to claim one of two spots at the global qualifiers in Nepal next year.
That tournament will decide the final four qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup in England next summer.
Italy won the toss and put Ireland into bat, with Chathurika Mahamalage getting the wicket of Amy Hunter in the third over with the Irish opener on 10.
Orla Prendergast joined Lewis at the crease and contributed 23 before falling to the bowling of Emma Moore to leave Ireland 59-2.
Lenny Sims took the prized wicket of Lewis, followed by Leah Paul in her next over, but 28 from Laura Delany and 38 by Rebecca Stokell set Italy the target of 167.
Their chase got off to a miserable start when opener Dilaisha Nanayakkara was bowled by Prendergast during the first over.
Chloe Piparo and Annie Wikman offered some resistance before Kelly accounted for the wickets of both when they were on 29.
Ireland are next in action against Germany on Sunday (10:00 BST).