Ireland Women got their T20 World Cup qualifying campaign up and running with a nine wickets victory over the USA in Abu Dhabi.

The day after they lost their opening game against tournament favourites Bangladesh, they eased past the weakest team in the competition with Amy Hunter the only batter dismissed, when the scores were tied.

The United States, who were bowled out for 51 on Sunday by Scotland, reached that total for the loss of just one wicket yesterday, but their last six wickets fell for nine runs and they were bowled out from the last ball of the innings for 91, Arlene Kelly taking three wickets in the final over.

Gaby Lewis, who failed to survive her first ball in the opening game, made no mistake this time, and hit the winning run to finish 44 not out from 38 balls. Hunter had tried the win the game in the grand manner two balls earlier but was bowled for 43. She hit only three boundaries but it did include the only six of the day.

Hunter had also claimed the first American wicket, with a direct hit from cover in the third over, but a second wicket stand of 44 held up Ireland for 41 balls until Cara Murray struck in her second over.

Laura Delany then brought herself on and proved virtually unplayable through the middle overs, conceding just seven runs in her four overs and Eimear Richardson started the late collapse with two wickets in the 19th over.

Victory tomorrow over Scotland, who were bowled out for 77 by Bangladesh yesterday, tomorrow will guarantee them a semi-final place and one win away from the World Cup finals.