Ireland delivered a dominant performance at VOC Rotterdam to secure a 33-run victory over Italy women in their last T20 international of the European Qualifier.
They were made to work for the win by a competitive Italian side looking to finish the tournament on a high.
With both Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast rested, Arlene Kelly made her international captaincy debut.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ireland shook up the batting line-up given the key absences, with Amy Hunter and Ava Canning opening.
Despite Canning departing early for just four runs, caught off the bowling of Thilini Fernando in the third over, the Irish run rate began to rapidly accelerate.
Hunter and Laura Delany shared a near faultless 139-run second-wicket partnership.
Hunter, displaying a level of patience and precision, struck 62 off 51 balls (including seven fours), while Delany stole the show with a magnificent 91 off just 57 balls.
Delany's innings featured 13 boundaries as she consistently found gaps through – and over – the off-side. Her 50 came up in just 36 balls, and she continued to accelerate throughout her stay at the crease, reaching the 90s before being stumped off Emilia Bartram's bowling in the final over.
Ireland's middle order faced a brief collapse in the final overs, losing five wickets for just 13 runs, but the damage had been done and the Girls in Green finished on 175-6 from 20 overs.
Chasing 176 for victory, Italy needed a strong start but found themselves under pressure when wicket-keeper Methnara Rathnayake was caught by Kelly off Alana Dalzell's bowling for just seven runs in the third over. However, Chloe Piparo (36) and Annie Wikman (53) provided some resistance with a well-compiled 80-run partnership for the second wicket.
Freya Sargent then stepped up, claiming three wickets for 38 runs from her four overs, well supported by Lara McBride (2-23) and Alana Dalzell (2-18).
From 110-2, the Italians saw six wickets fall for 21 runs, a collapse that all but ended their chances of pulling off an upset.
With Emma Moore unable to bat due to injury, the Italian innings closed on 142-9, handing Ireland a 33-run victory.
