Cricket/ Women's World Cup: Another stunning individual display from Isobel Joyce helped Ireland navigate the first of a key African double-header yesterday as they thumped Zimbabwe by 208 runs to make the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup qualifying tournament in Stellenbosch.
The 24-year-old sister of former Ireland star Ed picked up her second straight player of the match award for a quick-fire 70 off 63 balls, followed by taking four wickets for just 10 runs from her seven overs.
Ireland's opening defeat to Pakistan means they face a daunting clash against hosts South Africa today, with the winners earning one of the two available places at next year's World Cup in Australia.
Although they will go into the contest as underdogs against a team that has strolled through their group, Ireland will bring bags of confidence from yesterday's emphatic victory.
Captain Heather Whelan won her first toss of the week and backed her side to post a good number. That faith was paid back as Ireland's top-order fired for the second straight game to post a tournament-best 305 for five off 50 overs.
Isobel's twin sister Cecelia, along with Caitriona Beggs, again laid the foundations with an opening stand of 65, before Cecelia was stumped for 28. Isobel replaced her sister and went on to share partnerships of 48 with Beggs (41) and a vital third-wicket stand of 87 with the in-form Clare Shillington.
Joyce finally fell with the score on 200, but some fine late hitting from Shillington (57 off 51 balls) and Nikki Coffey (36 off 21) brought Ireland past the 300 mark to put the game far beyond Zimbabwe's reach.
Whelan believes that her side are hitting top form at just the right time ahead of the clash against a South African team that hammered Holland by 227 runs yesterday.
"It's going to be a very tough match and they are a good side but if our batting, bowling and fielding come together we're going to have a very good chance and hopefully win."
