Ireland were beaten twice on day two of the Women's Softball World Cup Group A, by Australia and Chinese Taipei ©WBSC

Hosts Ireland were defeated twice on the second day of action at the Women’s Softball World Cup Group A, as they were beaten by Australia and Chinese Taipei.

In their first outing of the day at the Balbriggan All Weather Field in Finegal, Dublin, Ireland were beaten 4-0 by Australia, who hit a home run through Jade Wall.

Meanwhile, Kaia Parnaby pitched a complete game shut-out, as Australia bounced back from yesterday’s loss to Britain.

Ireland were in action in the final game of the day as they faced Chinese Taipei, who ran out comfortable 11-1 victors.

Chia Wen-Shen hit a solo home run in the second inning, while Chia Yi-Chen scored three runs batted in.

Elsewhere today, holders and top-ranked United States faced the lowest ranked team in the World Cup, Botswana, who are 43rd in the rankings.

As expected, the US notched up a big score, winning 15-0, which included a home run from Ali Aguilar and four runs batted in by Hannah Flippen.

British pitcher Georgina Corrick was the star of the opening game, pitching a second straight game without giving up any runs, as Britain beat Chinese Taipei 2-0.

Corrick also produced the crucial moment with the bat during the bottom of the third inning, as with a runner on second and two batters out, she hit a home run for what proved to be the decisive score.

As part of a new format for the Women’s Softball World Cup, 18 teams are competing across three groups with the winners of the final and repechage matches in each group qualifying for the Softball World Cup Finals next year.