New Zealand too strong for Ireland women

The White Ferns have opened the 50-over leg of their winter tour with a commanding 159 run win over Ireland at Kibworth Cricket Club in Leicestershire.

Liz Perry struck 70 and Maria Fahey 59 as the White Ferns line up plundered 296 for eight after being put into bat and then restricted Ireland to 137.

Wicketkeeper batsmen Rachel Priest finished the innings off with a hard hit 36 not out.

The Irish batsmen struggled against the spin of Lucy Doolan and Aimee Watkins who took three for seven and three for 16 respectively.

Amy Satterthwaite, who captained the team, said after the match: "It was good batting by Fahey in her 50th ODI and Perry on debut.

"Ireland tried hard but there was plenty of loose bowling and a lightning fast outfield.

"We mixed up our bowlers making sure our spinners, Watkins and Doolan, got plenty of overs and Perry had a good workout as she is a good all-round option for us.

"It was very windy conditions so out bowlers stuck to it and it was pleasing to bowl Ireland out."