Ireland quick breaks 35-year-old record with 5-28 in World Cup Qualifier

Ireland rode on fifties from captain Gaby Lewis (75 in 89 balls), wicketkeeper Amy Hunter (76 in 71), and Leah Paul (67 not out in 40) to post 305-4 after Lewis won the toss and opted to bat. At 32 balls, Paul’s was Ireland’s second-fastest fifty in the format. This was also the fourth-highest total for Ireland in the format and their highest in Asia.

The Thailand innings never found momentum, and looked in doldrums at 76-4 after 18 overs. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai (37 in 39 balls), Phannita Maya (43 in 61), and wicketkeeper Suwanan Khiato (59 in 50) then somewhat resurrected the innings, but at 182-7, the end seemed near.

Khiato then added 71 for the eighth wicket with Thipatcha Putthawong (22) before Little rounded things off with three wickets in five balls. The triple strike resulted in her finishing with 5-28 from 9.1 overs as Thailand were bowled out for 259. The 46-run win got Ireland two points as well as boosted their net run rate to -0.052. They are still in the race for a World Cup berth – two teams will qualify – but only just about.

Louise Little becomes youngest Ireland seamer to take a five-for in WODIs

At 21 years 334 days, Little became the youngest Ireland seamer to take five wickets in the format. She was about a year older than what Susan Bray was when she got her five-for, in 1990.

Interestingly, Little had a solitary wicket from her first eight ODIs. Her brother, Josh Little, has represented Ireland as well.

Ireland seamers to take five-wicket hauls in women’s ODIs

- Little is also the third-youngest Irish bowler to take five wickets in the format, after the spinners, Aimee Maguire and Cara Murray.
- At 17 years 210 days, Cheraldine Oudolf of the Netherlands remains the youngest seamer from any country to take a five-wicket haul in women’s ODIs.