Ireland women crush Bangladesh

Louise McCarthy

Ireland's women continued their magnificent 2012 season when they easily defeated Bangladesh by 61 runs at Phoenix Park in a rain affected contest.

Ireland captain Isobel Joyce showed no ill effects following her recent knee injury as she top scored with 43 as Ireland made 148 for 6 in 45 overs before rain intervened.

On a pitch where quick scoring was always difficult, Kim Garth made a patient 24 and Melissa Scott-Hayward hit 20.

Eimear Richardson provided the much needed impetus in the middle order as she struck four boundaries in her 39 ball 31, using her trademark sweep to excellent effect.

Salma Khatun (2-29), Rumana Ahmed (2-23) and Lata Mondal (1-8) were best with the ball for the Tigresses.

The heavy rain which brought a premature end to the Irish innings meant a DL adjusted target of 156 in 38 overs, and in truth Bangladesh never threatened the target at any instance.

An opening blast from Louise McCarthy shattered the Bangladesh top order and they never recovered from those early blows.

The impressive McCarthy took 4 for 18 and with Isobel Joyce taking 3 for 16 Bangladesh eventually finished on 94 all out in 35.4 overs.

The other Irish wicket takers were Kim Garth (1-13) and Laura Delany (1-17) in the 61 run win.

Ireland are back in action again today when they take on Pakistan at YMCA.