T20 World Cup, NZ vs IRE: Williamson leads from the front as New Zealand demolish Ireland

New Zealand players celebrating a wicket [Source: AP]

The 25th Super 12 encounter of the ongoing T20 World Cup saw New Zealand steamroll Ireland by 35 runs in Adelaide. With this clinical victory, the Blackcaps continue to reign at the top of the Group 1 points table. 

Williamson's fireworks propel New Zealand to a massive total

After being put into bat, New Zealand got off to a flying start, courtesy of an impactful 18-ball 32 from Finn Allen. After the swashbuckling keeper-batter was dismissed, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson sailed the ship smoothly, adding 44 runs for the second wicket. 

But, Soon, Gareth Delany brought Ireland back into the match, sending Conway and Glenn Phillips back to the dugout. 

Kane Williamson in action [Source: AP]

However, skipper Williamson kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace, getting ample support from Daryl Mitchell at the other end. The duo stitched a game-changing 60-run stand for the fourth wicket, before Joshua Little recorded a spectacular hat-trick to ensure a sub-par finish for the Kiwis. 

Williamson hammered five fours and three humongous sixes for his blistering 35-ball 61, pivotal in powering New Zealand to a formidable 185. Mitchell contributed handy 31 runs off just 21 deliveries. 

Joshua Little was exceptional with the ball, recording surreal figures of three for 22 in his four overs. 

Ireland collapse after a promising start

Chasing 186, Ireland got off the mark in grand style, with Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie hammering 68 runs in 8.1 overs for the first wicket. But they found themselves down on the mat as soon as Williamson unleashed his spinners. 

Lockie Ferguson claimed a three-for [Source: AP]

While Ish Sodhi castled Stirling for a quick-fire 27-ball 37, Mitchell Santner removed Balbirnie and Harry Tector in quick succession. This triggered a collapse for Ireland, as they lost wickets in clusters to get themselves on the back foot. 

George Dockrell was the lone fighter among the middle-order batters, scoring a quick-fire 15-ball 23. However, his effort could only reduce the deficit, as the Irishmen were eventually restricted to 150 for nine in 20 overs. 

Ace pacer Lockie Ferguson emerged as New Zealand's best bowler, registering sensational figures of three for 22 in his four overs. 

Brief Scores

New Zealand: 185/6 (20)
Kane Williamson 61 (35), Finn Allen 32 (18);
Joshua Little 3/22 (4), Gareth Delany 2/30 (4)

Ireland: 150/9 (20)
Paul Stirling 37 (27), Andrew Balbirnie 30 (25);
Lockie Ferguson 3/22 (4), Mitchell Santner 2/26 (4)

New Zealand won by 35 runs. 

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