Emirates Old Trafford hosts first two ICC Women's T20 World Cup matches
Emirates Old Trafford played host to its first two ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures on Saturday.
The double header saw Scotland take on Ireland in the morning, before a blockbuster game in the afternoon between Australia and South Africa.
With a good crowd in and the weather set fair, Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening game.
The Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, lit up Emirates Old Trafford with a superb partnership for Scotland. They put on 106 for the third wicket, with skipper Kathryn top scoring with 60, and wicket-keeper Sarah making 49.
Scotland reached a competitive total of 161-5, which proved too much for Ireland. They were bowled out for 121 despite 39 from Amy Hunter and 33 from Orla Prendergast. Spinner Kirstie Gordon finishing with figures of 3-14 off her four overs, taking all three wickets in one over.
With an hour-long gap in between the two games, there was plenty on offer for the crowd. The fan village was packed as supporters got involved with the activities on offer, had a bite to eat and grabbed a drink.
Everyone was back in their seats in time for the start of the second match. The world’s number one ranked team, Australia, took on the world’s number five ranked, South Africa.
It was a brutal display of hitting from Australia superstar Phoebe Litchfield, who hit the fifth-fastest Women’s T20 World Cup half century off just 23 balls. Those runs, and 36 for Ellyse Perry, helped their side make a more than competitive score of 172-8 from their 20 overs.
That was a score out of the Proteas’ reach. Captain Laura Wolvaardt’s battling 44 was not enough to get her side close, with South Africa bowled out for just 107. It was a superb group effort with the ball from Australia, with Georgia Wareham's 3-13 off just 2.4 overs the standout figures.
Australia's win brought the curtain down on an exciting day of Women’s T20 World Cup cricket at Emirates Old Trafford. There are three more games to be played at the venue; next up, South Africa face India in another blockbuster clash on June 21st.
You can buy tickets for the remaining games here.
;