Two half-centuries from openers Suzie Bates and Frances Mackay helped New Zealand women earn a comfortable 42-run victory over Ireland in a group A match of Women’s World Twenty20 at Sylhet International Stadium yesterday.
Suzie smashed 68 runs from 51 deliveries featuring 10 boundaries while Mackay hit 51 off 49 as New Zealand scored a massive total of 171/3 thanks to Sara McGlashan’s stormy innings in the last five overs. The duo made a 116-run partnership in the opening partnership in 15.1 overs before Sara McGlashan added an unbeaten 34 using only 13 balls with two 6s and 13 boundaries. Eimear Richardson took two for 32.
In reply, Ireland could only manage to score 129 for 5. Cecelia Joyce hit 39 off 28 while opener Clare Shillington and Isobel Joyce added 28 and 24 respectively. Morna Nielsen bagged two for 23.
In the other match of the day Australia beat South Africa by six wickets. Batting first South Africa posted 115 for nine while Australia scored 116 for four in 18.3 overs to win the game.
