New Zealand crush Ireland in T20 World Cup warm-up game

Georgetown (Guyana, West Indies), Apr 28(ANI): New Zealand has defeated Ireland by 40 runs in the first of two Twenty20 World Cup warm-up games at the Guyana National Stadium in Georgetown.

The Black Caps got off to a bright start after skipper Daniel Vettori won the toss and elected to bat.

Opening batsmen Jesse Ryder and Rob Nicol shared a partnership of 104 runs in 9.2 overs before being dismissed in quick succession, which also caused a small batting collapse.

Ryder scored 64 off 30 balls, while Nicol batted cautiously for 31 off 30 deliveries.

Middle-order batsmen Scott Styris and Gareth Hopkins departed cheaply for five runs apiece. Martin Guptill's quickfire 50 runs off 35 balls to push the score to 187 consolidated the team, Stuff.co.nz reports.

In response, Ireland never clocked-up a threatening run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals to reach a commendable 147 with its captain William Porterfield top scoring with 34.

Off-spinner Nathan McCullum was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers taking 3-25 from his four overs. Kyle Mills, Ian Butler, Scott Styris, Tim Southee and Jacob Oram shared one scalp apiece.

Brief Scorecard:

New Zealand 187-5 (Jesse Ryder 64, Martin Guptill 50; George Dockrell 3-22) Ireland 147-9 (William Porterfield 34, Gary Wilson 31, Kevin O'Brien 28; Nathan McCullum 3-25) (ANI)