ICC Women's World T20 2016: Bates guides New Zealand women to 93-run win over Ireland
Captain Suzie Bates scored a 60-ball 82 to give New Zealand women their second victory as they thumped Ireland by 93 runs in the World Twenty20 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Friday.
After winning the toss and preferring to bat, Bates hit seven fours and two sixes to power her side to 177 for three in 20 overs. The right-hander lost her opening partner Rachel Priest (12) early but kept on piling the boundaries to score her 13th fifty in T20I.
The next batswoman, Sophie Devine scored 47 from 34 deliveries as she shared a 104-run stand with her skipper to drive New Zealand to a high score.
Kim Garth, Isobel Joyce, Amy Kenealy picked up a wicket each for the Irish team.
In reply, Ireland hardly got going and were restricted to 84/5, losing by 93 runs. Isobel was the highest scorer with a 28, while Gaby Lewis made 16 but New Zealand bowlers bowled with tight line and length to get a big win.
Erin Bermingham (2/17), Morna Nielson (1/13), Leigh Merserek (1/10) and Devine (1/19) shone with the bowling for the New Zealanders.