NZ v Ire Women’s World T20 Review: New Zealand outclass Ireland in Mohali

The New Zealand women’s cricket team proved why they have been labelled as one of the favourites to lift the Women’s World T20 cup in India. Choosing to bat first on a flat track in Mohali, the team hammered 177/3 which was always going to be a bridge too far for the Irish. New Zealand’s two star players, captain Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, batted brilliantly and put the match beyond their opposition.

Rachel Priest was the first to go in the 2^nd over after she made 12 off 6 including 3 fours. Amy Kenealy had Priest caught by Clare Shillington. From this point onwards it was the Bates- Devine show that deflated a hapless Irish bowling attack. Bates’ batting style is attacking though not without a fair amount of risk and true to her reputation, she played with freedom.

A talented athlete who has also won representative honours in basketball, playing for New Zealand in the 2008 Olympics, Bates smashed 82 off 60 balls including 7 fours and 2 sixes. Devine, another player whose talents are not solely reserved for the cricket pitch, was equally impressive in her knock of 47 off 34 balls. Devine has represented New Zealand at various age groups playing hockey and showcased her quick hands by smashing 3 fours and 2 six.

Irish keeper Mary Waldron was involved in 2 dismissals. She took Bates’ catch off the bowling of Kim Garth and later has Devine stumped off skipper Isobel Joyce. Ireland’s 16-year-old medium pacer Lucy O’Reilly bowled economically to finish with 0/26 from her 4 overs while Kenealy’s 3 over-spell registered 1/20. The other Irish bowlers struggled to keep the scoring in check and proved expensive. Garth’s 4-over spell read 1/43 while Joyce and Ciara Metcalfe both conceded above 9-runs an over. Laura Delany’s one over went for 11 in a forgettable outing for her team.

Cecelia Joyce was the first to go for 6 off 5 as left-arm bowler Morna Nielsen had her stumped in the 3rd over.  Leigh Kasperek picked up the wicket of Cath Dalton who made 1. She was caught by Bates who continued to have a wonderful game.  Opener Shillington’s 15 off 24 was ended by Erin Bermingham as the she was bowled in the 9th over.

Skipper Isobel Joyce made 28 off 33 balls including 2 four before being cleaned up by Devine. Delany became Bermingham’s second wicket as the Irish women finished on a disappointing 84/5. New Zealand will be mighty pleased with the bowling performance. Nielsen’ spell was 1/13 while her opening bowling partner Lea Tahuhu went wicketless and conceded 24 runs. Kasperek’s 1/10, Bermingham’s 2/17 and Devine’s 1/19 completed an easy win for their team.

New Zealand Women: 177/3 in 20 overs (S Bates 82; A Kenealy 1/20)

Ireland Women: 84/5 in 20 overs (I Joyce 28; Bermingham 2/17)

Player of the Match: Suzie Bates (New Zealand Women)