Savar (Bangladesh), March 21 (IANS): After losing their warm-up game against New Zealand Tuesday, India came back strongly to beat Ireland by 26 runs in their last practice match of the ICC Women's World Twenty20 at the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan No.4 Ground here Friday.

Put in to bat, India scored a total of 148/4 in their quota of 20 overs with Poonam Raut (50 not out) anchoring the innings by making an unbeaten half century off 40 balls which included seven boundaries.

Poonam got good support from opener and captain Mithali Raj, who scored 42 of 34 balls, including seven boundaries. Other opener Smriti Mandhana helped Mithali provide a good start, chipping in with 20.

In reply, minnows Ireland started well by reaching 61 without losing a wicket by the 11th over. However, Indian bowlers struck at the right time and kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

Pacers Shikha Pandey (3/24) and Soniya Dabir (2/20) were the pick of the bowlers who led the collapse of the Irish batting line-up to restrict them to 122/9 in their 20 overs.

India begin their World T20 campaign against Sri Lanka Monday at the Sylhet Stadium.