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The BLACKCAPS had three overs and seven wickets to spare in cruising to victory over Ireland in a practice match at Derby this morning (NZ time).
Ross Taylor led the Kiwi charge with an imposing 74 off 36 balls, while Jesse Ryder starred in with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 4 runs.
Batting first after being put in, Ireland started strongly with an opening stand of 70 from Jeremy Bray, who top scored with 48, and Paul Stirling. But they then lost wickets steadily as the New Zealand bowling attack put the brakes on, finishing on 152 for 5. Ryder and Daniel Vettori, with 2 for 18, were the successful bowlers for the BLACKCAPS.
In his first outing since the IPL, Brendon McCullum was dismissed for 9, and Ryder went for 15, before Martin Guptill and Taylor took control of the Irish attack – adding 103 for the third wicket and steering the BLACKCAPS to within sight of victory.
Taylor fell on 74 – his innings including no fewer than eight sixes and two fours. He was well supported by Guptill who finished not out on 45 from 42 deliveries, with New Zealand reaching 153 for 3 in 17 overs for a comfortable seven wicket win.
BLACKCAPS coach Andy Moles said he was pleased with the workout his team got in the match. “Our bowlers bowled better lines and our fielding was more intense,” said Moles. “And Ross’s big hitting innings was impressive.”
“This was a good win, but we need to keep focused on improving with every game as we head into the tournament.”
