Metcalfe leads the charge in thrashing Uganda's dreams

Coming to the 10th game of the Qualifiers, both Uganda and Ireland were hopeful for a win as it would secure their place in the semi-finals. It was Ireland who emerged on top, successfully chasing down 78, winning by eight wickets and over seven overs to spare.

Ireland won the toss and elected to field first. With the top-order all being dismissed in single digits, Uganda was in trouble, finding themselves at 24/4. From there, the lower middle order of Immaculate Nakisuuyi (12 off 10), Stephani Nampiina (16 off 22) and Franklin Najjumba (15* off 19) somewhat steadied the innings to help their team post 78-8 on the board.

Ciara Metcalfe took three wickets for Ireland, conceding just eight runs, while Eimear Richardson took two and Isobel Joyce, Lara Maritz and Kim Garth contributed with a wicket each.

Chasing, Ireland got off to a good start with their opening partnership of 31 runs. Though the wickets of Clare Shillington (27 off 21), who fell to Getrude Candiru and Cecelia Joyce (15 off 15), whose scalp was claimed by Rita Musamali, helped Uganda slow down the scoring rate, the total was too low for Uganda to defend and Ireland finished the chase in the 13^th over. Gaby Lewis (18* off 22) and skipper Laura Delany (13* off 16) guided their team to victory and helped them secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Ireland now faces Papua New Guinea in the first semi-final, on the 12^th of July, while Bangladesh battle it out against Scotland in the second semi-final. Which of these two teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup in November? Only time will tell.