White Ferns 171-3 (Suzie Bates 68, Frances Mackay 51, Sara McGlashan 34*) beat Ireland Women 129-6 (Cecilia Joyce 39*, Clare Shillington 28, Morna Nielsen 2-23) by 42 runs
The White Ferns have backed up their opening victory over Australia with a comfortable 42 run win over Ireland at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in the ICC World Twenty20.
The back-to-back victories put the White Ferns on the verge of securing a semi-final spot, needing a victory over either Pakistan or South Africa in their final two pool matches.
The victory over Ireland was set up by the batsmen, with openers Suzie Bates (68) and Frances Mackay (51) leading the kiwi side to an imposing total of 171 for three. In response the Ireland side fought valiantly, but never truly threatened the target and were held to 129 for six.
Having won the toss and opted to bat, Bates was quickly on the attack for the White Ferns, blasting her way to a half-century off just 37 balls. She and Mackay put on 116 for the first wicket, before the captain finally fell. Her knock though had set up a great platform for her side and she was awarded Player of the Match for her efforts.
Mackay continued on and brought up her own half-century, while Sara McGlashan came to the crease and immediately looked to find the boundary. Mackay fell with two and a half overs remaining, but McGlashan added the finishing touches, punishing Ireland with an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls.
Ireland’s chase featured handy cameos from Clare Shillington (28), Isobel Joyce (24) and Cecilia Joyce (39*), but they were unable to keep up with such a high required-run-rate.
Morna Nielsen, who opened the bowling for the White Ferns, did a good job of initially plugging Ireland back and finished with impressive figures of two for 23 from four overs.
The White Ferns next face Pakistan at 2.30 am on Friday morning (NZ time).
