Sport

Ireland suffer warmup defeat to Thailand ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Orla Prendergast’s impressive display with bat and ball not enough to prevent defeat

Orla Prendergast impressed with both bat and ball in the defeat to Thailand. Photograph: Rowland White/Inpho

Nathan Johns
Tue Nov 16 2021 - 14:00

Thailand (155-5, 35.4 overs) (Natthakan Chantam 52; Naruemol Chaiwai 38; Orla Prendergast 2-6) defeat Ireland (154 ao, 41.4 overs) (Orla Prendergast 37; Amy Hunter 30; Phannita Maya 3-24) by five wickets

A slow start with the bat cost Ireland dear as they suffered a five wicket defeat to Thailand in a World Cup qualifier warmup.

Asked to bat after losing the toss, the Irish top order struggled in the Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare as opening bowler Phannita Maya removed three of the top five. Ireland's highest partnership of 34 came while Amy Hunter (30) and acting-skipper Mary Waldron (19) were at the crease as Thailand continually chipped away with regular wickets.

Batting at number seven, Orla Prendergast top scored with a 49-ball knock of 37 that contained four boundaries.

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The innings came to an end in the 42nd over when Celeste Raack was run out.

In response, Ireland had just the start required when defending a low total as Prendergast bowled Onnicha Kamchomphu with the third ball of the innings. Nattaya Boochatham was trapped in front in the fifth over - again by Prendergast - to leave Thailand reeling at 12-2.

That proved to be as good as it got for Ireland as Natthakan Chantam’s half century plus a supporting innings of 38 from Naruemol Chaiwai broke the back of the chase.

Sophie MacMahon and Louise Little did pick up wickets of their own while Jane Maguire added a run out, but there were just not enough runs on the board as Thailand got over the line in the 36th over.

Ireland are next in action on Friday in another warmup game against Pakistan on Friday.

Ireland’s tournament gets underway next Tuesday against the West Indies.

Amy HunterOrla Prendergast