New Zealand consolidate Group C lead with victory over Ireland
New Zealand consolidated their top spot in Group C of the ICC Under19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a comprehensive, nine-wicket victory over Ireland in Potchefstroom.
For the second match in a row, the Kiwis found themselves needing 75 runs to win after Ireland – like their opponents in the tournament opener, Indonesia – were dismissed for 74.
Having managed the first win without the loss of a wicket, today, they lost the wicket of the elegant but dangerous Anna Browning, who holed out to Zara Craig off Georgina Dempsey’s bowling for an attractive 29. It was all lofted drives, drives on the up and impeccable timing for Browning, who had already done massive damage to the Irish cause by scoring her runs off just 14 balls (five fours and one six), which meant by the time they concluded the power play they were already in sight of victory.
The right hander was supported by Antonia Hamilton (18 not out) and Georgia Plimmer (17 not out) in an innings that drove home the difference in the two bowling attacks. Where New Zealand had been more disciplined with their bowling, Ireland had conceded six extras in the first over while defending a low total. In the end, they had conceded 11 extras to New Zealand’s six in the match.
Ireland rued their decision to bat first as they lost their first wicket for just four runs and wilted in the stifling heat of the JB Marks Oval, with wickets falling at too regular an interval for them to find a way to rebuild their innings.
New Zealand’s opening pace bowler Natasha Codyre, who ended up with figures of 3/6 in her three overs, was a particular thorn in their side with her bounce and stump to stump line, with spinner Natasha Wakelin chipping in with two wickets of her own for 12.
Captain, Siuin Woods, had it about right in saying the comprehensive defeat was more galling because they hadn’t put their best foot forward in any of the three disciplines.
Scores in brief:
Toss: Ireland, who elected to bat.
Ireland 74 all out in 18.1 overs (Zara Craig 20, Abbi Harrison 14, Natasha Codyre three for 6, Natasha Wakelin two for 12)
New Zealand 75 for 1 in 6.5 overs (Anna Browning 29, Antonia Hamilton 18 not out, Georgina Dempsey 1 for 27)
New Zealand won by 9 wickets with 13.1 overs to spare.