The New Zealand women's cricket side backed up their opening victory over Australia with a comfortable 42-run win over Ireland at the World Twenty20 competition in Bangladesh overnight (NZT).
The back-to-back victories put the White Ferns on the verge of securing a semifinal spot, needing a victory over either Pakistan on South Africa in their final two pool matches to progress to the final four.
The victory over Ireland was set up by the batsmen, with openers Suzie Bates (68) and Frances Mackay (51) leading New Zealand to an imposing total of 171 for three in their 20 overs. In response, Ireland never truly threatened and were held to 129-6.
Having won the toss and opting to bat, Bates was quickly on the attack for the White Ferns, blasting her way to a half-century off just 37 balls. She and Mackay put on 116 for the first wicket before the captain finally fell.
Mackay continued on and brought up her own half-century and Sara McGlashan added the finishing touches, punishing Ireland with an unbeaten 34 from 13 balls.
