New Zealand thump Ireland by 83 runs

Blistering knocks by Aaron Redmond (63), Martin Guptill (48*) and Scott Styris (42) helped New Zealand beat Ireland by 83 runs in the first Super Eight match here on Thursday.Aaron Redmond, who was drafted into the side in place of injured Jesse Ryder, immediately made an impact as he smashed Ireland bowlers all over the park. He smashed a blazing half-century off just 23 balls to give his side a tremendous platform to post a big total. His blistering knock consisted of 13 hits to the fence. But his entertaining 30-ball 63 came to an end when he was plumbed LBW by Cusack.It’s due to Redmond that New Zealand got a superb start. From the outset it seemed that he was trying to match Jesse Ryder. He took every Irish bowler to cleaners, hitting boundaries at will. His effort saw New Zealand reach 94/2 after the half-way mark.After Redmond, it was the turn of Scott Styris to play a blazing knock to help New Zealand cross 150 in 16th over. Styris came to the crease after the fall of Redmond and started hitting from the ball one. He took spinners for special treatments, hitting them three huge sixes over mid-wicket. His knock of 25-ball 42 was cut short by a brilliant catch by Obrien. But apart from these two, Martin Guptill also played a fine innings of unbeaten 48 to give the finishing touch to their innings and helped them score a huge 198/5 in allotted 20 overs.
Chasing a huge 199 to victory, Ireland started off poorly, losing two quick wickets at the score of 15. William Porterfield and Niall Obrien were sent packing by Kyle Mills in the initial overs, giving early blows to Ireland. New Zealand fielded brilliant, effecting three runs outs and saving lot of runs in the field.Only Andre Botha and Gary Wilson made some contribution with 28 and 23 respectively. Other batsmen surrendered meekly in front of the Kiwi onslaught.Earlier, Ireland have won the toss and elected to field in their first Super Eight match against New Zealand.New Zealand missed the service of opener Jesse Ryder, who is out of the World Twenty20 due to injury, in this match. Daniel Vettori and Ross Taylor, too, were not playing due to injury. Ireland (Playing XI): William Porterfield(c), Niall Obrien, Andre Botha, Gary Wilson(w), Kevin Obrien, John Mooney, Trent Johnston, Regan West, Alex Cusack, Kyle McCallan, Peter Connell New Zealand (Playing XI): Brendon McCullum(c), Aaron Redmond, Martin Guptill, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Neil Broom, Peter McGlashan(w), James Franklin, Nathan McCullum, Ian Butler, Kyle Mills