New Zealand women complete pre-tournament clean sweep

New Zealand took only 20 overs to wrap up their six-game pre-tri-series programme unbeaten when thrashing Ireland by nine wickets at Trinity College in Dublin today.

With the ever-present rain of the Irish summer preventing a start until around midday, Ireland batted first after winning the toss and at one stage were 20/5. A lower-order recovery got them through to 90.

New Zealand's bowlers were completely dominant. Nicola Browne returned the best figures from a 10-over spell of four for 21. Rachel Pullar continued her build-up by taking two for 27 off 10 overs, while Haidee Tiffen's nine overs produced two wickets for 12 runs.

Kate Pulford took one for 14 off five overs while Anna Corbin bowled four overs for 13 runs and Aimee Mason one ball which resulted in the run out which ended the Irish innings.

Nicola Payne and Tiffen opened the New Zealand innings. Tiffen hit a quick 33 before she was dismissed, allowing Sara McGlashan to join Payne in sealing the win. Payne was 32 not out and McGlashan 10 not out.

New Zealand coach Mike Shrimpton said that compared with the second game in which he was disappointed with the fielding, yesterday's effort had been outstanding.

"We caught everything, bowled well on a low and slow wicket and did well to score the runs so quickly," he said.

Although the side had won five out of six and had one no result, the standard of the Netherlands and Irish teams meant it was difficult to get an exact line on where the team was.

"We have not really been tested, or under any pressure," he said.

However, he was delighted by the fact the side had been able to manage scores of more than 250 on several occasions when batting.

"The worry is the inexperienced bowling we have, since losing three key players after the CricInfo Women's World Cup. There is no doubt about the talent we have, it is just the lack of playing experience.

"We knew that before we came over here so this will be valuable for us in the longer term," he said.

The team leaves for Jersey tomorrow and has no problems with fitness or injury and such has been the form displayed by all players he is delighted to be faced with a selection headache before deciding on the team to play the first match of the tri-series.