New Zealand (171-3) beat Ireland (129-5) by 42 runs
NEW ZEALAND LEFT nothing up to chance as Ireland’s debut at the Women’s World T20 in Bangladesh ended in disappointment.
White Ferns captain Suzie Bates sent her side in to bat first and immediately posted a total of 171-3 that left Ireland with a mountain to climb.
It was a first-ever appearance in the tournament for Ireland, managed by former men’s star Trent Johnston.
And with world champions Australia up next on Thursday, their task is set to get harder before it gets any easier.
There were some positives, not least in the bowling of captain Isobel Joyce who gave up just 17 runs from her four overs with the ball.
But a 116-run stand from player of the match Bates and opening partner Frances Mackay meant that New Zealand were almost out of sight by the time Eimear Richardson took Ireland’s first wicket in the 16th over.
Cecilia Joyce put up the best score of Ireland’s innings with 41 not out off 28 balls but the New Zealand attack made sure that their win was a comfortable one.
Ireland: Shillington, Flanagan, I Joyce*, Tice, Scott-Hayward, C Joyce, Richardson, Waldron (wk), Delany, O’Reilly, McCarthy.
New Zealand: Mackay, Bates*, McGlashan, Perkins, Priest (wk), Browne, Martin, Green, Jensen, Huddleston, Nielsen.
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