Ireland upset New Zealand via DLS

Ireland upset New Zealand by 41 runs via the DLS method in Bloemfontein to finish the Super Six stage with a solitary win.

Ireland’s win was fashioned by batter Gavin Roulston,  who top-scored with 82 in the team’s 267 for 9. Roulston’s 129-run third-wicket stand wit Kian Hilton who made 72, set Ireland up for a competitive total. Ireland were on track for a bigger score, but an underwhelming last ten overs scuttled their designs. Fast bowler Ewald Schrender was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 46.

New Zealand started slowly and seemed set on consolidation first before trying to make a late push towards victory. But from 92 for 2 in the 24th, they slipped to 131 for 5 in the 33rd. Having allowed the asking rate to spiral, they were under pressure when the rain came. Oliver Riley’s three-for early on was instrumental in ensuring Ireland were well ahead of the DLS as they eventually clinched victory.

Brief scores:
Ireland Under-19s 267 for 9 in 50 overs (Gavin Roulston 82, Kian Hilton 72; Ewald Schreuder 4-46, Matt Rowe 2-49) beat New Zealand Under-19s 131 for 5 in 32.1 overs  (James Nelson 34, Robbie Foulkes 25, Lachlan Stackpole 33*; Oliver Riley 3-20) by 41 runs via DLS method (Target 173 runs in 32.1 overs)