Isobel Joyce's side ensured their place at the T20 Cricket World Cup in India next year by beating Scotland in the qualifying tournament semi-final, while also securing a spot in Saturday's final against Bangladesh.

On the 40-minute return trip to the team hotel following the game however, the squad were caught up in a two-hour traffic jam, during which they amused fellow commuters with a sing song.

Speaking following the team's victory today, squad member Ciara Metcalfe said the players were now focusing completely on Saturday's final, which will take place at 1.45pm local time (6.45pm Irish time).

"To qualify for the World Cup next year is brilliant and it's what we set out to do, but now we'll go into Saturday and try win against Bangladesh.

"They're a very good side and we watched them today play Zimbabwe, who they beat to qualify for the World Cup too. They've lots of spinners and they're a very confident team, but I think we have the beating of them," said the Pembroke star, who boasts more than 70 caps for Ireland.

Led by head coach Aaron Hamilton and assistant coach Alex Cusack, who recently retired from the men's game, the Irish team have improved massively since losing all their group games at the last T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

"It's so exciting to be part of," Metcalfe added, having returned to the national set-up this summer.

"We'll be looking to aim higher at next year's World Cup in March and it'll be a tough coming up against the top teams in the world.

"I've been involved in a lot of Irish teams over the years and at the time you're thinking to yourself that it's the best team, but I think skill wise and with the resources Cricket Ireland are putting in, that this is definitely a very special group."

Having departed Ireland on November 20, the squad will play the final on Saturday evening in 30-plus degree heat before returning home to Dublin on Sunday.