GLENN PHILLIPS’ QUICK-fire 69 and four wickets from Lockie Ferguson inspired New Zealand’s 31-run win over Ireland in their opening Twenty20 international on Monday.
Phillips was unbeaten in his 52-ball innings as he smashed seven boundaries in New Zealand’s total of 173 for eight.
Jimmy Neesham kept the runs flowing for New Zealand with a rapid 29 which included a towering six into the sightscreen.
Ferguson turned the screw on Ireland in their chase with impressive figures of 4-14 as the hosts were bowled out for 142 in 18.2 overs.
Ireland, who just missed out on a first ever victory over New Zealand when they lost the final ODI by one run last week, elected to field first in Dublin.
It had looked a solid call when New Zealand opener Finn Allen fell for one in the third over off Joshua Little, who finished with four wickets.
Martin Guptill (24) soon followed after he holed out at long off and Dane Cleaver (five) lasted only seven deliveries on his debut, nicking a length ball from Little behind.
Daryl Mitchell was also dismissed for five off Curtis Campher to leave the tourists struggling at 54 for four in the ninth over.
Phillips nipped Ireland’s threat in the bud with his flamboyant stroke-play and New Zealand got an early breakthrough in the field when Mitchell Santner claimed a fine catch to dismiss Andy Balbirnie for 12.
Black Caps skipper Santner took two wickets with the ball to reduce Ireland to 69 for five in the 10th over.
Campher (29) and Mark Adair (25) gave Ireland faint hope, but Ferguson ensured the chase proved too much for the hosts.
Scores
New Zealand: 173-8 (20 overs) Phillips 69 not out, Little 4-35, Adair 2-49
Ireland: 142 (18.2 overs) Ferguson 4-14, Neesham 2-19, Santner 2-36
New Zealand won by 31 runs
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Tallaght, Dalymount, Tolka and Aviva have all been looked at already! Does soccer not exist beyond the City??
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: u have a very very low bar
@Kevin Bury: They have to be and be seen to be fair and equitable!!
Small money compared to the cash bonfires raging at RTE, HSE, Children’s hospital, ….
Sligo Rovers have a very impressive proposal to develop the Show Grounds.
Galway Utd are looking to develop pitches for their Underage Teams. Treaty also need funding to get their own pitches.
The 80m should be divided up every year between the clubs in both the premier and first division on a needs must basis. Obviously the likes of Tallaght, Turners Cross, RSC wouldn’t need as much as say Dundalk, Drogheda, Sligo, Wexford etc. and divide it up every year until every ground in both divisions are fit for purpose and provide a positive experience for all fans.
FAI really have some neck on them.
The soccer hang “only” are looking for 67% of the overall funding by the government for Irish sports. Why don’t they go for 100% of the funding, it is after all the most successful and enjoyable sport in the country
@WqM9AAv3: successful?
@WqM9AAv3: enjoyable?
It would be a good idea to build up facilities and amenities at some of the smaller clubs. The worry would be how these projects are managed. There is one thing that is certain in Ireland these days and it’s that no project no matter the size stays on budget. You don’t want these smaller clubs with tiny revenues left on the hook for overruns that cripple them afterwards.
Jed ward you must be joking