NED-W vs IRE-W: Arlene Kelly shines in Ireland’s thumping win over Netherlands

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The opening clash of the three-match T20I series between Netherlands Women and Ireland Women at the VRA Cricket Groundin in Amstelveen showcased a dominant performance by the visiting team.

Toss and Playing XIs:​

Winning the toss, Ireland chose to bowl first. Netherlands’ Playing XI included Babette de Leede, Heather Siegers, Frederique Overdijk, Hannah Landheer, Phebe Molkenboer, Robine Rijke, Iris Zwilling, Eva Lynch, Merel Dekeling, Caroline de Lange, and Carlijn van Koolwijk. Ireland fielded Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Rebecca Stokell, Louise Little, Laura Delany, Orla Prendergast, Arlene Kelly, Freya Sargent, Georgina Dempsey, Cara Murray and Ava Canning.

Netherlands Women Innings:​

Batting first, Netherlands faced a challenging spell from the Irish bowlers. Robine Rijke emerged as the top-performer, contributing a resilient 38 runs off 35 balls. The team managed to score 92 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Arlene Kelly from Ireland’s side proved to be the pick of the bowlers, clinching an impressive 5 wickets for just 12 runs.

Best career figures for Arlene Kelly! @cricketireland #EuropeanCricket #EuropeanCricketSeries #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/qSebHD84D8

— European Cricket (@EuropeanCricket) August 15, 2023

Ireland Women Innings:​

In response, Ireland’s opening pair displayed a formidable partnership, achieving the target with remarkable ease. Amy Hunter scored an impressive 49 runs off 42 deliveries, while Gaby Lewis contributed an equally valuable 43 runs off 37 balls. The duo remained unbeaten, guiding their team to a convincing victory of 10 wickets.

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Player of the Match:​

Arlene Kelly’s exceptional bowling performance, securing 5 crucial wickets for Ireland, earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Player of the Match from today’s game was Arlene Kelly for her career-best figures of 5-12 #BackingGreen #FuelledByCerta pic.twitter.com/Xa6CPUJXKq

— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) August 14, 2023

Result and Upcoming Match:​

Ireland’s dominant 10-wicket triumph sealed their victory in the first T20I. The next match in the series is scheduled for Wednesday (August 16), at the same venue, promising another thrilling showdown between the two teams.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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