The Netherlands U18 girls levelled the series with a 17-run win in a low scoring contest in Utrecht.

Isobel Light (3-13) and Kia McCartney (2-1) bowled well as the hosts were dismissed for 72.

The low target though proved to be a tricky one as the Irish found batting equally tough in helpful conditions.

Light (14) and skipper Freya Sargent (13) were the only pair to reach double figures as they were bowled out for 55 – three wickets each for Kristin Smits and Phebe Molkenboer.

The Irish bounced back in the afternoon game to restore their series lead thanks to a fine all-round display.

Rush bowler Ellie McGee was again amongst the wickets as she claimed 3 for 12 to help restrict The Netherlands to 92 for 7.

The Irish had little trouble chasing this time, with Lara McBride hitting 24, sharing a second wicket stand of 47 with Anna Squires (22), while there were runs too for Aoife Walsh (19), as the six wickets win was sealed in the 15th over.

The final game of the five-match series takes place on Thursday morning.