Richardson stars with the ball as Ireland beat Vanuatu in World Cup qualifier

Ireland (89-1, 12.3 overs) (Gaby Lewis 45; Nasimana Navaika 1-12) beat Vanuatu (88-9, 20 overs) (Valenta Langiatu 27; Eimear Richardson 3-8) by nine wickets.

Eimear Richardson’s three wickets led the way for Ireland in a comfortable nine wicket win over Vanuatu in Abu Dhabi.

The victory, alongside a boost to Ireland’s net run rate, leaves them all but guaranteed a top spot in their pool and a favourable seeding for the competition’s semi-finals. The two teams who reach the final qualify for the T20 World Cup.

Alongside Richardson, Laura Delany and Arlene Kelly chipped in with two wickets apiece as Ireland restricted Vanuatu to just 88.

In response, the opening pair of Gaby Lewis (45) and Amy Hunter (34*) continued their good run of form, their partnership of 82 off 67 balls breaking the back of the chase of 89.

Ireland face the Netherlands on Friday in the final pool clash. Only a very unlikely landslide victory for the Dutch would see them leapfrog Ireland for top spot.

Should they progress as group winners, Ireland will likely play either Scotland or Thailand with a place in the T20 World Cup on the line.