'Consistent and significant': Eimear Richardson's unforgettable August

BY THE NUMBERS

Four T20Is
78 runs at 38.00. 7 wickets at 7.28.

WHAT THEY SAID

Richardson made her presence felt with bat and ball throughout the Qualifier, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker and fifth greatest run-scorer. There was not a match where she failed to have some sort of impact.

"All-Rounders in the modern game have become match-winners because of their opportunities to contribute with bat and ball," former South Africa star and ICC Voting Academy member JP Duminy said. "Her consistency has been outstanding."

"What an amazing and important contribution in a tournament that is important to all the teams" former Zimbabwe star and ICC Voting Academy member Pommie Mbangwa said. "What any team wants is for players to stand up at critical times and Eimear's contributions with bat and ball have come at the right time, been consistent and particularly significant.

STELLAR WITH THE BALL

In the Qualifier, Richardson stole the show with the ball, her wily off-spin and the clever variations with which she employed it proving far too tricky for batters.

Starting off against Germany, she returned figures of 2/6, as the Irish romped home to a comfortable 164-run victory. She then followed it up with figures of 2/24 against Scotland, making life difficult for them. Despite her efforts, Ireland ended up losing the contest by 5 wickets.

She continued her sizzling form with the ball in the remaining two matches against France and the Netherlands, returning with figures of 2/0 and 1/22 respectively, as the Irish ended the tournament with back-to-back victories.

Richardson ended up being the joint second-highest wicket-taker with seven scalps, behind Frederique Overdijk and tied with Eva Lynch.

Steady with the bat

Richardson also made some telling contributions with the bat during the tournament. Her most impactful knock came against the Netherlands in their final match, when she scored a 49-ball 53, which helped her side reach a total of 111/9. Ireland eventually won the match by 24 runs, helping them clinch a second-place finish in the tournament.

Richardson was among the highest run-scorers in Spain, finishing fifth on the charts.

Player of the Tournament

For her stunning performances in both departments, Richardson was declared the Player of the Tournament. A well-deserved accolade in what was a brilliant month for the 34-year old.