New Zealand’s BlackCaps warmed up for the start of the tri-nation tournament in Dublin with a convincing 85-run win over Ireland Wolves at Rathmines. Indeed had it not been for a stubborn rearguard action from the home side's middle order the margin could well have been much worse, but credit Sean Terry, along with Andy McBrine and Adam Dennison for a battling end to the day's proceedings.
Chasing the visitors' 234-6 from their 25 overs the Wolves were in real trouble at 26-5 after early wickets for the uncapped Seth Rance (4-13), Hamish Bennett (2-28) and Scott Kuggeleijn (2-30), whose father Chris was a professional with Pembroke back in the early 80’s. A very early end to proceedings seemed to be on the cards but Terry dug deep and a spirited stand of 61 between him and McBrine (31) restored some order in the home ranks. Terry and Dennison (17) added another 48 for the 7th wicket and although the Irish lads couldn't quite retain their momentum until the end, their score of 149-9 was a decent effort against a top quality side. Leinster Lightning batsman Terry was finally dismissed in the final over for an excellent 65 (10 fours, 1 six), caught and bowled by the equally impressive Rance.
The Kiwis' batting was a solid all round effort- skipper Tom Latham retiring after a sprightly 52 (5 fours, 2 sixes) while his opening partner Luke Ronchi hit 7 fours and a six as he made 41 out of the opening stand of 56. Neil Broom added 45 (6 fours, 1 six) and although Terry and Josh Little combined to claim the prize scalp of Ross Taylor for 6, George Worker's quick-fire unbeaten 37 from just 15 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes) and 23 from Colin Munro saw the visitors accumulate 62 runs in the last 5 overs. All of the Irish bowlers went for a few with Eddie Richardson (2-43) and Little (2-51) faring best of the six used in what will have been a useful workout for the Black Caps.
Credit to the Wolves for providing match practice to two quality sides in as many days, however the real business starts tomorrow morning at Malahide as Ireland's senior side take on Bangladesh in the tri-nations opener (10.45am).
At Rathmines, Ireland Wolves lost to New Zealand by 85 runs BlackCaps 234-6 (25 overs; T Latham 52, N Broom 45, L Ronchi 41, G Worker 37*, C Munro 23, E Richardson 2-43, J Little 2-51) Ireland Wolves 149-9 (25 overs; S Terry 65, A McBrine 31, S Rance 4-13, H Bennett 2-28, S Kuggeleijn 2-30)