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KIM Garth starred with bat and ball as Ireland started the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers with a comfortable 119-run win over Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka yesterday.
Ireland rattled up 237-6 in their 50 overs, with Garth top-scoring on 63, while Laura Delaney added 47.
Garth also boasted the best bowling figures of 3-24 as Zimbabwe were skittled out for 118 in 37.5 overs.
Ireland, who take on the hosts Sri Lanka today, need a top-four finish in the qualifiers to make the World Cup.
The Irish lost a warm-up game against Bangladesh on Sunday, but they were back in top form in the Group A opener in Colombo.
An impressive third-wicket partnership of 94 between Garth and Delany laid the foundation for Ireland’s healthy total.
Clare Shillington (30) and Cecilia Joyce (26) also added valuable runs at the Mercantile Cricket Association Ground.
Zimbabwe struggled in reply with Ashley Ndiraya hitting 35, but only three other players reached double figures.
Garth led Ireland’s fine bowling display, while Ciara Metcalfe (3-38), Robyn Lewis (2-7) and Amy Kenealy were the other wicket takers.
Ireland will play tournament favourites India on Friday before completing their group games against Thailand a day later.
The top three in Group A go through to the Super Six, and from this, the top four secure a place in the eight-team World Cup in England from June 24 to July 23.
Scorecard
Ireland 237/6 (50 overs): K Garth 63, L Delany 47, C Shillington 30, C Joyce 26, J Nkomo 2-46, N Mutasa 2-53)
Zimbabwe 118 all out (37.5 overs): A Ndiraya 35, L Tshuma 25, M Musonda 20, K Garth 3-24, C Metcalfe 3-38, R Lewis 2-7, A Kenealy 2-19). – BBC Sport
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter