MARTIN Guptill’s brilliant 130, Kyle Mills (3-52) and skipper Daniel Vettori (4-42) starred in New Zealand’s 32-run win over Ireland at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium yesterday. Asked to bat first New Zealand posted 311 for 6 in their 50 overs and Ireland in reply fought gallantly but fell short in the end to finish at 279 in 48.2 overs.
For New Zealand, Guptill 130 (12×4, 3×6) led the charge and was backed up well by Jesse Ryder (48) and Ross Taylor (33). Late charge by James Franklin (49) and Scott Styris (29 not out) propelled New Zealand to a challenging target. For Ireland, Trent Johnston picked up 2-62.
In their reply, skipper William Porterfield led from the front as he shared crucial stands with Paul Stirling (39) for the first wicket and then with Ed Joyce (41) to keep Ireland in the hunt.
But a middle-order collapse left Ireland with too much to chase and in the end New Zealand prevailed. Skipper Vettori showed the way with an impressive spell and was backed by Mills’ 3-52 and Hamish Bennett (2-61). (Yahoo Cricket)