Ireland was thrashed by an in-form New Zealand side who already look like the finalist at the World Cup. Opting to bat first Kiwis started poorly but opener Peter Fulton played a brilliant knock. New Zealand were in trouble at one stage with seven wicket down for 190 but once again the likes of Brendon McCullum and James Franklin did the trick in the lower order.

Chasing a mammoth target of 264 runs, on a pitch offering resistance to spinners, Ireland struggled throughout their innings. Though, all rounder Kevin O Brien scored 49 run but rest of the batsman were totally clueless against the guile and spin of Daniel Vettori. He took four wickets and conceded only 23 runs. This victory by a margin of 129 runs, more or less confirms the semifinal spot for the Kiwis and they would be itching to play the mighty Australians in their super eight match.

Cricinfo