Bates steers NZ Women to 93-run win over Ireland

Skipper Suzie Bates led from the front with a quickfire half-century as New Zealand Women registered a comprehensive 93-run victory over Ireland Women in their World Twenty20 Group A clash here on Friday.

Fresh from comfortable win against Sri Lanka, New Zealand posted a competitive 177 for three after opting to bat and then restricted Ireland to 84 for five in their allotted 20 overs at the PCA stadium here. Kiwi opener Bates scored 82 off just 60 deliveries that included seven hits to the fence and two sixes, while Sophie Devine also chipped in with a crucial 34-ball 47.

Bates and Devine put on an important 104-run stand together for the second wicket to put Kiwis on the course for setting their rivals a competitive target.

After Devine’s dismissal, captain Bates continued in the able company of Sara McGlashan (14 not out). The two added 44 runs for third wicket to steer the team past 150-run mark.

Chasing 178 for victory, Ireland were never in the fray as they kept on losing wickets at regular interval and failed to reach even the three-figure mark.