commentary: ireland v new zealand

New Zealand (263 for eight) beat Ireland (134 all out) by 129 runs with 12.2 overs remaining.
So there you have it. Ireland fail to cause an upset and New Zealand have another big win under their belt. For New Zealand - fine performances with the bat from Fulton and McCullum, while McCallan did not do too badly with the ball for Ireland. In the next innings. the brothers O'Brien showed some promise but that was quickly put to an end by spin twins Vettori and Patel. Thanks for joining us and catch you again soon.

Over 37.4: Ireland 134 (RR: 3.55): Langford-Smith 0* (4).

WICKET
B Rankin lbw Vettori 0 (1)
It's all over! Vettori fires one in and strikes the tall Rankin on the pads. He's dead in front of his stumps and on the back foot. The finger is raised really quickly and Vettori bags a four-fer.

Boyd Rankin is the last man in for Ireland.

WICKET
K McCallan b Vettori 0 (8)
McCallan tries to come down the track but only manages to york himself, misses the ball and is clean bowled for a duck. Vettori's third wicket of the day.

Over 37: Just a leg-bye off the over. Patel, although with two wicket under his belt today, seems a bit frustrated out there, His overs have been inconsistent at best and he is varying his pace a bit too much we reckon. He's no Dan Vettori, but he's doing a good enough job for now.
Ireland 134/8 (RR: 3.62): Langford-Smith 0* (4), McCallan 0* (5)
Ireland need 130 runs to win from 13 overs at 10.00 runs per over.

Over 36: Langford-Smith survives the last ball of the over. Ireland capitulating quickly now.
Ireland 133/8 (RR: 3.69): Langford-Smith 0* (1), McCallan 0* (2)
Ireland need 131 runs to win from 14 overs at 9.35 runs per over.

Dave Langford-Smith is the new batsman.

WICKET
P Gillespie lbw Vettori 2 (8)
Gillespie nearly survives the over but some nice flight from Vettori catches him off guard as he fends forward. The ball turns past the bat and it is another lbw dismissal.

Over 35: McCallan survives two balls including a gift full-toss which he does nothing with, not yet off the mark. He had a good day with the ball did McCallan, and will want to chip in with the bat a bit no doubt.
Ireland 133/7 (RR: 3.80): Gillespie 2* (3), McCallan 0* (2)
Ireland need 131 runs to win from 15 overs at 8.73 runs per over.

Kyle McCallan is the new man out in the middle.

WICKET
T Johnston lbw Patel 13 (19)
The Irish skipper drvies Patel through mid-off for four but is then beaten by the quicker ball and hit on the pads. He has played forward but not enough. That's in line and he has to go as umpire Steve Bucknor raises his finger after a bit of delay.

Over 34: Two singles wrap up the over including one that gives Gillespie his first run in the international game.
Ireland 128/6 (RR: 3.76): Gillespie 1* (1), Johnston 9* (17)
Ireland need 136 runs to win from 16 overs at 8.50 runs per over.

Peter Gillespie is the new batter.

WICKET
A White 0 (4)
He's been trapped dead in front for a fourth-ball quacker. White's short stint with the bat comes to an end and Ireland now falling quickly after that hope-building stand between the brothers O'Brien.

Over 33: A single to Johnston and a couple of dot balls to the new man at the crease end the over.
Ireland 126/5 (RR: 3.81): N White 0* (2), Johnston 8* (14)
Ireland need 138 runs to win from 17 overs at 8.11 runs per over.

Andrew White is the new batsman.

WICKET
N O'Brien c Oram b Patel 30 (75)
Johnston gets a quick single, O'Brien drives for two and then tries to slog-sweep against the spin. Oram is waiting in the deep on the on-side and pouches the high ball with those giant hands of his.

Patel is back in the attack.

Drinks break!

Over 32: Just one run off the over as Vettori's guile gets the better of Johnston. The Irish skipper pushing and prodding but failing to read the turn.
Ireland 122/4 (RR: 3.81): N O'Brien 28* (73), Johnston 6* (12)
Ireland need 142 runs to win from 18 overs at 7.88 runs per over.

Over 31: Johnston is after Styris straight away and picks up two in the deep. O'Brien needs to get in on the act, he's batting well but really slowly. Styris proving his mettle as an all-rounder.
Ireland 121/4 (RR: 3.90): N O'Brien 28* (72), Johnston 5* (7)
Ireland need 143 runs to win from 19 overs at 7.52 runs per over.

Over 30: Four wides as Vettori bowls down the leg-side and the 'keeper misses, the ball racing through to the ropes for four. A single each for O'Brien and Johnston (off the mark now). O'Brien almost getting stumped. The Irish must launch now if they are to try and win this match. Now.
Ireland 116/4 (RR: 3.86): N O'Brien 27* (71), Johnston 1* (2)
Ireland need 148 runs to win from 20 overs at 7.40 runs per over.

Over 29: Two dot balls to Niall O'Brien end that successful over for the Black Caps.
Ireland 110/4 (RR: 3.79): N O'Brien 26* (67), Johnston 0* (0)
Ireland need 154 runs to win from 21 overs at 7.33 runs per over.

Trent Johnston is the new batter.

WICKET
K O'Brien run out Marshall 49 (45)
Oh dear! A single and then a sad bit of miscommunication between the brothers as Kevin is run-out one short of what would have been a really outstanding half-century. New Zealand will be happy with that. That partnership was doing pretty well and causing a few stresses for NZ skipper Stephen Fleming.

Over 28: Four more singles picked off... almost at will. Niall O'Brien then goes on the sweep again for the umpteenth time but gets a top-edge and is lucky to get two runs over the 'keeper's head. Kevin nearing his half-ton.
Ireland 109/3 (RR: 3.89): N O'Brien 26* (62), K O'Brien 48* (44)
Ireland need 155 runs to win from 22 overs at 7.04 runs per over.

Over 27: Styris pushed and prodded on the front foot with two singles each going the way of the O'Briens. Kevin then goes huge again launching another six over long-on. This one a bit wider of long-on than his previous sixer off Patel. Well, with wickets in hand, they might still be in the game here. 55 runs have come off the last 10 overs.
Ireland 103/3 (RR: 3.81): N O'Brien 22* (58), K O'Brien 46* (42)
Ireland need 161 runs to win from 23 overs at 7.00 runs per over.

Scotty Styris into the attack.

Over 26: Vettori is picked off for four singles around the ground on the sweep and the drive as the brothers O'Brien add two more each to their blossoming individual totals.
Ireland 93/3 (RR: 3.57): N O'Brien 20* (55), K O'Brien 38* (39)
Ireland need 171 runs to win from 24 overs at 7.12 runs per over.

Over 25: Kevin O'Brien bangs a massive six over long-on but Patel does well to peg back a potentially very expensive over. Two more singles and a half-hearted appeal make up the over as the half-ton stand arrives between the brothers O'Brien. This is not really a threat for the New Zealanders - just a bit of an annoyance.
Ireland 89/3 (RR: 3.56): N O'Brien 18* (51), K O'Brien 36* (37)
Ireland need 175 runs to win from 25 overs at 7.00 runs per over.

Over 24: Just a single off the over as Vettori calls on his wealth of experience and flummoxes the batters with flight and deception in the air. The spinner is a genius and is getting the better of the two Irish batters. They can hardly get it off the square. Required rate now over seven.
Ireland 81/3 (RR: 3.37): N O'Brien 17* (48), K O'Brien 29* (34)
Ireland need 183 runs to win from 26 overs at 7.03 runs per over.

Over 23: Kevin drives for two and then drives again for one. Niall goes on the sweep and misses. He then pushes to point for one. Patel then loops it up a bit more getting picked off for one more single. Five runs off the over.
Ireland 80/3 (RR: 3.47): N O'Brien 17* (47), K O'Brien 28* (29)
Ireland need 184 runs to win from 27 overs at 6.81 runs per over.

Over 22: Vettori is picked off for three singles around the ground and Niall O'Brien lives to fight on as a confident shout for lbw is turned down now. Patel and Vettori now set to bowl in tandem and sure to get the better of the Irish batters.
Ireland 75/3 (RR: 3.40): N O'Brien 16* (45), K O'Brien 24* (25)
Ireland need 189 runs to win from 28 overs at 6.75 runs per over.

Spinner Daniel Vettori into the attack.

Over 21: Niall survives a huge shout for lbw. Evidently off line as the umpire's decision is... not out. Another reverse-sweep is nicely timed and brings another four. Wow! That stroke sure is growing in popularity but if it doesn't come off the batter can look really silly.
Ireland 72/3 (RR: 3.42): N O'Brien 15* (43), K O'Brien 22* (21)
Ireland need 192 runs to win from 29 overs at 6.62 runs per over.

Over 20: Kevin O'Brien brings the third powerplay to a close with a mighty six over long-on. That was right in the slot from Franklin and sweetly time by O'Brien. Before that though McCullum thought he might have had a catch from an edge but replays show he grassed it just a touch. Eventful over that but the Irish required rate is climbing and climbing.
Ireland 68/3 (RR: 3.40): N O'Brien 11* (37), K O'Brien 22* (21)
Ireland need 196 runs to win from 30 overs at 6.53 runs per over.

Over 19: The brothers employ the sweep stroke immediately and pick up a single each for their efforts. Niall ain't satisfied and decides to go on the reverse-sweep - he middles and the ball races over the ropes for four. Nice. Indifferent start from Patel.
Ireland 62/3 (RR: 3.23): N O'Brien 11* (37), K O'Brien 16* (15)
Ireland need 202 runs to win from 31 overs at 6.55 runs per over.

Spinner Jeetan Patel into the attack.

Over 18: Niall playing second fiddle to Kevin now as the latter picks up a four off the last ball of the over, crashing the ball through cover. Two turned behind square for Kevin, a single and a leg-bye bring to an end quite a fruitful over for the minnows.
Ireland 56/3 (RR: 3.11): N O'Brien 6* (32), K O'Brien 15* (14)
Ireland need 208 runs to win from 32 overs at 6.50 runs per over.

Over 17: A single each for Kevin and O'Brien. They're both looking to attack and really need to given that the required rate is approaching secven. But they're failing to time a lot of their strokes and should perhaps look to push a lot of singles for a period of play.
Ireland 48/3 (RR: 2.82): N O'Brien 6* (31), K O'Brien 8* (9)
Ireland need 216 runs to win from 33 overs at 6.54 runs per over.

Drinks break!

Over 16: Niall O'Brien comes down the track and flicks through square for two. Franklin tightens up his lineand concedes just a leg-bye in the remainder of the over as the brothers O'Brien continue the Irish slog.
Ireland 46/3 (RR: 2.87): N O'Brien 5* (26), K O'Brien 7* (8)
Ireland need 218 runs to win from 34 overs at 6.41 runs per over.

The third and final powerplay will be taken.

Over 15: The second powerplay comes to and end as Kevin O'Brien lashes out through the covers for four. A couple of singles and a two thanks to handy pull stroke bring the over's tally up to eight. Good one for Ireland.
Ireland 43/3 (RR: 2.86): N O'Brien 3* (22), K O'Brien 7* (6)
Ireland need 221 runs to win from 35 overs at 6.31 runs per over.

Over 14: Maiden over from Franklin to Niall O'Brien. The brothers O'Brien looking to claw their side out of some serious bother.
Ireland 35/3 (RR: 2.50): N O'Brien 2* (21), K O'Brien 0* (1)
Ireland need 229 runs to win from 36 overs at 6.36 runs per over.

Over 13: Brother Kevin sees off the last ball of New Zealand's successful over.
Ireland 35/3 (RR: 2.69): N O'Brien 2* (15), K O'Brien 0* (1)
Ireland need 229 runs to win from 37 overs at 6.18 runs per over.

Kevin O'Brien is the new batter out in the middle.

WICKET
E Morgan c McCullum b Oram 15 (37)
A handful of defensive strokes for no runs and a quick single for Niall O'Brien and then Morgan tries to late cut. He gets a bottom edge and McCullum takes the catch. Unfortunate - Morgan was looking good out there and Ireland now in deep trouble.

Over 12: Franklin nearly starts with a maiden but pitches too short off the last ball of the over and Morgan cashes in, pulling through mid-wicket for four. Ireland need a whole lot more of that if they are to get close to the required tally.
Ireland 34/2 (RR: 2.83): O'Brien 2* (7), Morgan 15* (35)
Ireland need 230 runs to win from 38 overs at 6.05 runs per over.

Franklin back into the attack.

Over 11: Oram gets another madien under the belt as Morgan chooses to block a whole lot... for now.
Ireland 30/2 (RR: 2.72): O'Brien 3* (9), Morgan 5* (32)
Ireland need 234 runs to win from 39 overs at 6.00 runs per over.

New Zealand to take the second powerplay.

Over 10: O'Brien crafts one through mid-wicket for three and then Morgan digs out a yorker to take a single. Bond raring for a wicket but unable to get another for now.
Ireland 30/2 (RR: 3.00): O'Brien 3* (9), Morgan 5* (26)
Ireland need 234 runs to win from 40 overs at 5.85 runs per over.

Over 9: Oram bowls a maiden to Morgan as the two Irish batters look to steady ship after the loss of both their openers before the 10th over.
Ireland 26/2 (RR: 2.88): O'Brien 0* (4), Morgan 4* (25)
Ireland need 238 runs to win from 41 overs at 5.80 runs per over.

Over 8: A boundary thanks to four leg-byes as O'Brien tries to tickle fine to the fine-leg fence after facing out a couple of dot balls - he misses but his pad comes to his aid.
Ireland 26/2 (RR: 3.25): O'Brien 0* (4), Morgan 4* (19)
Ireland need 238 runs to win from 42 overs at 5.66 runs per over.

Niall O'Brien is the new batsman.

WICKET
W Porterfield c Styris b Bond 11 (22)
A dot ball and then left-hander Porterfield goes on the pull but gets it all wrong. It loops onto the off-side and Styris, running backwards, takes the catch comfortably. No footwork there from the outgoing batsman. Cheers mate.

Over 7: Oram startsoff with a wide too and Morgan clips past square-leg for two. Franklin throws a couple of slower balls into the mix but the Irish batters are wise to his ways and survive on the defence. Porterfield, gaining in confidence, comes down the track to Oram and drives for one.
Ireland 22/1 (RR: 3.00): Porterfield 11* (20), Morgan 4* (19)
Ireland need 242 runs to win from 43 overs at 5.59 runs per over.

Jacob Oram into the attack.

Over 6: Porterfield flicks nicely to fine-leg for two, faces out the majority of the over and then takes a single Bond slips up with another wide and that was a pretty average over from the star speedster.
Ireland 18/1 (RR: 3.00): Porterfield 10* (19), Morgan 2* (14)
Ireland need 246 runs to win from 44 overs at 5.59 runs per over.

Over 5: One more single to Porterfield and another no-ball with Morgan to not play at many for the moment, opting rather to suss out the line and length allowing the ball to go through to the 'keeper quite a bit. Franklin would do well to change his line to the young Morgan in the next over, get him to play a bit more.
Ireland 14/1 (RR: 2.80): Porterfiled 7* (14), Morgan 2* (13)
Ireland need 250 runs to win from 45 overs at 5.55 runs per over.

Over 4: A single each for Morgan and Porterfield and another extra as Bond oversteps the bowling crease. Porterfield and partner looking to steady ship after the early loss of Bray.
Ireland 12/1 (RR: 3.12): Porterfield 6* (13), Morgan 2* (7)
Ireland need 252 runs to win from 46 overs at 5.47 runs per over.

Over 3: Porterfield sees off some good length for a trio of dot balls and then punches through mid-wicket for three - some tidy fielding stops the four. Morgan faces up for the first time and flashes hard through gully to get off the mark instantly. Porterfield sees off the last ball of the over.
Ireland 9/1 (RR: 3.00): Porterfield 5* (12), Morgan 1* (1)
Ireland need 255 runs to win from 47 overs at 5.42 runs per over.

Over 2: Ireland 5/1 (RR: 2.50): Porterfield 2* (7), Morgan 0* (0)
Ireland need 259 runs to win from 48 overs at 5.39 runs per over.

Eoin Morgan is the new batter.

WICKET
J Bray c McCullum b Bond 1 (5)
Bond kicks off with a wide and then throws down a couple of looseners which are easily seen off. Porterfield gathers another to double his fledgling tally but then Bray falls as a peach of a delivery, the perfect line and the perfect length gets the edge of Bray's bat on the defence. 'Keeper McCullum takes the catch easily and Ireland are one down early on.

Shane Bond to share the new ball with Franklin.

Over 1: Porterfield gets off the mark straight away with a 'drop-and-run' shot barely off the pitch. Bray faces out a couple and then takes a sharp single and is nearly run-out. A direct hit from Jacob Oram is not quite quick enough and Bray survives and is off the mark after a couple of quackers in recent games. Portfield sees out the remainder of the over without any further theatrics.
Ireland 2/0 (RR: 2.00): Porterfield 1* (4), Bray 1* (2)
Ireland need 262 runs to win from 49 overs at 5.34 runs per over.

Left-hander James Franklin to take the new ball for the Black Caps.

Jeremy Bray and William Porterfiled to open the batting for Ireland.

All and sundry are back on the field and the sun is beaming.

And now for the chase...

New Zealand: 263 for eight (50 overs)
Ireland need 264 to win at 5.26 runs per over

The Black Caps willbe happy with the final score, after struggling in the middle overs. Fulton top scored with an impressive 83. Ireland will be annoyed with their death bowling. McCullum and Franklin smashed 45 runs in the last three overs. Kyle McCallan was the pick of the Irish bowlers - two for 35.

Over 50: Franklin drives the fifth ball to long-off for two. The innigs ends with a single down guided down to third-man region.
New Zealand 263/8 (RR: 5.26): Franklin 34* (22), Bond 0* (0)

Shane Bond is the new batsman.

WICKET
B McCullum c Morgan b Johnston 47 (37)
McCullum slices the first ball to sweeper cover and runs two. He then smashes a four over extra cover. McCullum then smacks the ball out the ground and breaks a window in one of the boxes. He tries to smash another ball out of the ground but is beaten by the change of pace and is caught at deep midwicket by Morgan.

Over 49: Franklin knocks the first ball down to long-off for a single. McCullum then places the ball behind square-leg for two. The fourth delivery is an inside edge off the bat of McCullum for a single. Franklin smashes the fifth delivery to backward square-leg for four. He then smashes a huge six over long-on.
New Zealand 248/7 (RR: 5.06): Franklin 31* (20), McCullum 35* (33)

O'Brien comes back into the attack.

Over 48: McCullum flicks the first ball to midwicket for a single. Franklin flicks the second delivery fine for four. The next delivery was overpitched and smashed down the ground for another boundary. Frankklin knocks the ball into the gap at sweeper cover and runs two. He then knocks the ball back past the bowler and runs a single. McCullum pulls the last ball behind square for four.
New Zealand 234/7 (RR: 4.87): Franklin 20* (17), McCullum 32* (30)

Johnston comes back into the attack.

Over 47: Franklin and McCullum knock the ball around the ground for a couple of easy ones and twos.
New Zealand 218/7 (RR: 4.63): Franklin 9* (13), McCullum 27* (28)

White comes back into the attack.

Over 46: McCullum knocks the first ball past square-leg for two runs. He then drives the second ball down the ground for a single. Franklin opens the face of the bat and guides the ball down to third-man for another single. McCullum knocks the fourth ball into the covers for a sinlge. Franklin drives the last ball to long-off for a single.
New Zealand 210/7 (RR: 4.56): Franklin 6* (10), McCullum 23* (25)

Kevin O'Brien is introduced into the attack.

Over 45:Six runs are scored off the over. Three threes, one two and a single.
New Zealand 204/7 (RR: 4.53): Franklin 4* (7), McCullum 19* (22)

Over 44: McCullum whips the first ball past square-leg for two. He then drives the ball to mid-on for a single. Franklin gets off the mark with a single down to third-man. The fourth delivery is a wide. McCullum,McCullum pushes the next ball into the covers for two. McCullum cracks the ball down the ground but the ball hits the stumps at the non-strikers end. The batsmen run sneak a single. Franklin flicks the last ball to square-leg for a single.
New Zealand 198/7 (RR: 4.50): Franklin 2* (5), McCullum 15* (18)

Over 43: Three dot balls are bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 189/7 (RR: 4.39): Franklin 0* (3), McCullum 9* (14)

James Franklin is the new batsman.

WICKET
D Vettori c NJ O'Brien b White 5 (7)
Vettori cuts the first ball late and runs three. McCullum guides the next ball down to third-man for a single. Vettori attempts to sweep the third delivery of the over. The ball was sliding down leg. O'Brien takes a brilliant catch moving to his right. The ball must have brushed the glove. Umpire Bucknor was under pressure to give the dismissal.

Over 42: Two dot balls are bowled first up. Vettori picks the third ball of his hips and tucks it behind square-leg for a single. The fourth delivery is a dot ball. McCullum places the fifth ball behind square for two. A dot ball is then bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 185/6 (RR: 4.40): Vettori 2* (5), McCullum 8* (13)

Rankin is back into the attack.

Over 41: A dot ball and a single are scored to end the over. Vettori gets off the mark with a drive down the ground for one.
New Zealand 182/6 (RR: 4.43): Vettori 1* (2), McCullum 6* (10)

Daniel Vettori is the new batsman.

WICKET
J Oram c Morgan b White 20 (48)
McCullum pushes the first ball into the covers for a single. Oram sweeps the second delivery to backward square-leg for a single. McCullum cuts the third ball past point for a single. White bowls on middle stump. The delivery is fast and Oram dances down the track. Morgan at long-on takes a superb low catch. Another one bites the dust.

Andrew White comes back onto bowl.

Over 40: Johnston has led from the front today. Ireland have been inspired in the field. Five singles are scored off the over.
New Zealand 178/5 (RR: 4.45): Oram 19* (46), McCullum 4* (8)

Over 39: McCullum gets off the mark with a single off the last ball of the over. McCallan has been in superb form today. What a spell of bowling from the PE teacher.
New Zealand 173/5 (RR: 4.43): Oram 17* (43), McCullum 1* (5)

Brendon McCullum is the new batsman.

The break was another short one... This could be a start start game.

12:15 (local time) The match is delayed by rain.

WICKET
38.1 P Fulton lbw b McCallan 83 (110)
Fulton lost a bit of concentration with the rain delay. McCallan bowls a fuller, flatter ball first up. It is on the middle and off-stump line. Fulton goes for a sweep. He misses the ball and the ball hits plumb in-front. Bucknor takes his time with the decision, but he lifts his finger as the rain starts to fall in Guyana.

Over 38: Oram whips the fifth ball down the ground for a single. Fulton turns the last ball to mid-on for a single. New Zealand are on the backfoot.
New Zealand 172/4 (RR: 4.52): Oram 17* (43), Fulton 83* (109)

Over 37: The first ball after the break is a dot ball. Oram sweeps the second ball to long-leg for a single. A dot ball is bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 170/4 (RR: 4.59): Oram 16* (38), Fulton 82* (108)

The break was roughly five minutes. There is still rain in the air. The players are back on the field.

12:00 (local time) Rain has stopped play.

36.3 Fulton drives the first ball to long-on for a single. Oram copies Fulton with a drive down to long-on for another single. Fulton drives the third ball back past the bowler for one.

Over 36: Oram turns the third ball in front of square for one. Fulton digs the yorker out and sneaks a quick single off the fifth delivery of the over.
New Zealand 166/4 (RR: 4.61): Oram 14* (35), Fulton 80* (105)

Johnston comes back into the attack.

Time for a drink!

Over 35: Fulton turns the second delivery to midwicket for a single. Oram drives the fouth delivery to mid-on for a single. Fulton sweeps the fifth delivery for a boundary behind square.
New Zealand 164/4 (RR: 4.68): Oram 13* (31), Fulton 79* (103)

Over 34: Four singles are scored off the first four deliveries of the over.
New Zealand 158/4 (RR: 4.64): Oram 12* (29), Fulton 74* (99)

Over 33: Fulton works the first ball to short-midwicket for a single. Oram turns the second delivery onto the leg-side for a single. McCallan bowls a loose stroke, the ball goes down the leg side for three wides. Fulton knocks the fourth delivery down the ground for another single. Oram plays another sweep shot for one to end the over.
New Zealand 154/4 (RR: 4.66): Oram 10* (25), Fulton 72* (97)

Over 32: Five singles are scored off the over. White has varied his line and length well.
New Zealand 147/4 (RR: 4.59): Oram 8* (22), Fulton 70* (94)

Over 31: Oram drives the first ball to long-on for a single. Fulton square-drives the second delivery through point and runs three.
New Zealand 142/4 (RR: 4.58): Oram 6* (19), Fulton 67* (91)

Over 30: Fulton paddles the first delivery fine and runs two. He then cuts off the backfoot to point for a single. Oram sweeps the third ball for a single. Fulton then drives the ball to long-off for a single. The fifth delivery is a dot ball. Oram drives through the on-side and runs a single to end the over.
New Zealand 138/4 (RR: 4.60): Oram 5* (14), Fulton 64* (90)

Over 29: A two and three singles are conceded off the over. The spinners are doing a fine job in the middle overs. They are racing through their overs.
New Zealand 132/4 (RR: 4.55): Oram 3* (11), Fulton 60* (87)

Over 28: White concedes three byes off the first ball of the over. Oram misses the reverse sweep, but the wicketkeeper misses the ball as he moved to the leg-side. Fulton turns the fourth delivery square for a single.
New Zealand 127/4 (RR: 4.53): Oram 2* (10), Fulton 56* (82)

Over 27: Fulton sneaks a quick single off the fourth ball of the over. Oram drives the ball down to long-on for a single to end the over.
New Zealand 123/4 (RR: 4.55): Oram 2* (7), Fulton 55* (79)

Over 26: Oram and Fulton are slowly rebuilding the innings. Ireland have been brilliant in the field. They have picked up wickets at crucial intervals.
New Zealand 121/4 (RR: 4.65): Oram 1* (5), Fulton 54* (75)

Over 25: Two dot balls are bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 118/4 (RR: 4.72): Oram 0* (2), Fulton 52* (72)

Jacob Oram is the new batsman.

WICKET
C McMillan c Johnston b McCallan 22 (29)
McCallan bowls a dot ball fist up. McMillan then drives the ball to the left of the man at mid-on and runs a single. Fulton pulls out the sweep shot - past square-leg and runs a single. McMillan tries to smash a full delivery through the off-side. He gets an outside edge and the ball races to captain Johnston at short third-man.

Over 24: McMillan knocks the ball around the ground with ease. Three singles and a two past square-leg are conceded off the over.
New Zealand 116/3 (RR: 4.83): McMillan 21* (26), Fulton 51* (71)

Andrew White comes onto bowl.

Over 23: McMillan sweeps the second delivery to long-leg for a single. Four dot balls are bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 111/3 (RR: 4.82): McMillan 17* (21), Fulton 50* (70)

Fulton 50: 66 balls, 8 x 4s McCallan floats one up on the off-stump line. Fulton knocks it past square-leg for a single to reach his 6th One-day international fifty.

Over 22: McMillan smacks the first ball of the over for a six over long-off. Rankin then bowls a wide. McMillan somehow pierced the gap at point. It was hit on the up all the way to the point boundary fence. He then pushed the ball to extra cover for a single. Fulton kncoked the ball to mid-off for a single toend the over.
New Zealand 109/3 (RR: 4.95): McMillan 16* (20), Fulton 49* (65)

Over 21: Two singles are scored off the over. The introduction of spin has made an immediate impact.
New Zealand 96/3 (RR: 4.57): McMillan 5* (16), Fulton 48* (63)

Kyle McCallan is introduced into the attack.

Over 20: Fulton knocks the first ball through square-leg for two. He then cuts the ball down to third-man for a single. Four dot balls are bowled to end the over. Good comeback over from the big man!
New Zealand 94/3 (RR: 4.70): McMillan 4* (14), Fulton 47* (59)

Rankin comes back into the attack.

Over 19: Langford-Smith has been the pick of the bowlers. Fulton plays across the line and an inside edge is found off the third delivery of the over. The ball races to fine-leg. Fulton runs three.
New Zealand 91/3 (RR: 4.78): McMillan 4* (10), Fulton 44* (57)

Over 18: Johnston bowls a tight over. McMillan drives the fourth ball through the covers and runs three. Fulton drives the next ball past the man at mid-off for a single.
New Zealand 88/3 (RR: 4.88): McMillan 4* (7), Fulton 41* (54)

Over 17: McMillan pushes the fifth ball to mid-on for a single.
New Zealand 84/3 (RR: 4.94): McMillan 1* (2), Fulton 40* (53)

Craig McMillan is the new batsman.

WICKET
S Styris c NJ O'Brien b Langford-Smith 10 (15)
Styris drives the first delivery after the drinks break through midwicket for two runs. The second ball is a dot ball. The change of pace does the trick. Styris is early into his drive. A thick outside edge is found and the ball races through to keeper O'Brien. The bowler does the chicken dance again!

Time for a drink!

Over 16: Fulton pulls the first delivery of the over for four. It was just back of a length. The fifth delivery is overpitched and Fulton smashes it through the covers for another boundary. He is timing the ball of both the front and backfoot.
New Zealand 81/2 (RR: 5.06): Styris 8* (12), Fulton 40* (52)

The third and final powerplay has been taken.

Over 15: Styris sneaks a single off the second delivery with a push into the covers. Fulton knocks the fourth delivery to the off-side and runs a single. The last ball of the over is a wide.
New Zealand 73/2 (RR: 4.86): Styris 8* (12), Fulton 32* (46)

Over 14: Fulton drives the second ball past midwicket for four. He is seeing the ball like a football. Johnston has captained well so far in this match, but he will have a lot of thinking to do in the field, easy runs are being leaked.
New Zealand 70/2 (RR: 5.00): Styris 7* (8), Fulton 31* (44)

Over 13: Styris gets a streaky boundary off the fourth ball of the over. He went for a big slash, a thick edge was found and the ball beat the wicketkeeper.
New Zealand 66/2 (RR: 5.07): Styris 7* (8), Fulton 27* (38)

Over 12: Styris gets off the mark with drive down the ground for two. He then plays the next ball behind square-leg for a single.
New Zealand 62/2 (RR: 5.16): Styris 3* (2), Fulton 27* (38)

Over 11:
New Zealand 59/2 (RR: 5.36): Styris 0* (0), Fulton 27* (34)

Scott Styris is the new batsman

WICKET
H Marshall c Morgan b Langford-Smith 16 (21)
Langford-Smith bowls two dot balls. Marshall slashes the third delivery over the man at point for two. Two dot balls are then bowled. The last ball ofthe over is a wicket. The delivery was full and outside off-stump. Marshall tried to drive the ball over cover, but he mistimed the shot and Morgan took a simple catch.

The second powerplay has been taken.

Over 10: Marshall drives the second delivery to mid-on for a single. The next delivery is a wide. Fulton edges the third delivery to third-man for two. He moved forward to defend but the outside edge was found.
New Zealand 57/1 (RR: 5.70): Marshall 14* (15), Fulton 27* (34)

Trent Johnston brings himself into the attack.

Over 9: Marshall slants his bat and guides the second ball to third-man for a single. Fulton pushes the next ball into the covers for a single. Marshall runs the final ball down to third-man for another single.
New Zealand 53/1 (RR: 5.88): Marshall 13* (13), Fulton 25* (30)

Over 8: Rankin bowls five dot balls first up. Fulton hits the final ball for to square-leg for a boundary. The delivery was yet another half-volley and picked off his pads.
New Zealand 50/1 (RR: 6.25): Marshall 11* (8), Fulton 24* (29)

Over 7: Marshall square-drives the second delivery for four. His top hand did all the work as his bottom hand came off the handle. The fourth delivery is another boundary ball. Marshall drives the ball between extra cover and mid-off. The delivery was too full.
New Zealand 46/1 (RR: 6.57): Marshall 11* (8), Fulton 20* (23)

Over 6: Marshall gets off the mark with a nicely timed drive past mid-off for two. He then works the ball into the on-side for a single to end the over.
New Zealand 38/1 (RR: 6.33): Marshall 3* (2), Fulton 20* (23)

Hamish Marshall is the new batsman.

WICKET
S Fleming c Porterfield b Rankin 10 (11)
The first ball is a dot ball. The second ball is a wide. Fleming goes hard at the next ball and slashes it to the third-man boundary for four. The third delivery is a dot ball. Stephen fleming slices the next delivery straight to the man at point. He played through the line. The delivery was full and wide - Fleming picked out Porterfield.

Over 5:Langford-Smith is punished for two boundaries in the over. The third delivery is overpitched and punched for four. The fifth delivery is driven past mid-off. It was another half-volley, just outside the off-stump. Ireland need to tighten up.
New Zealand 30/0 (RR: 6.00): Fleming 6* (7), Fulton 20* (23)

Over 4: Fulton flicks the first delivery through the midwicket region for four. The delivery was a half-volley and deserved to be smashed to the boundary. The fifth delivery is a wide. Rankin is struggling at the start. Fulton leans forward and drives the final ball past mid-on.
New Zealand 19/0 (RR: 4.75): Fleming 3* (5), Fulton 12* (19)

Over 3: A dot ball is bowled first up. Langford-Smith then bowls a length delivery. Fleming picks it off his pads and sneaks a single. Three dot balls are then bowled. Fulton guides the last delivery of the over through midwicket and runs three. The delivery was fuller and on middle stump.
New Zealand 10/0 (RR: 3.33): Fleming 3* (5), Fulton 4* (13)

Over 2: Fleming knocks the second delivery to the on-side for a single. The third delivery is a wide. The fourth delivery is a wide. Fulton guides the next delivery down to third-man for a single. Fleming then flicks the ball to midwicket for a single. The ball landed on middle and leg and was easy pickings for Fleming. The sixth delivery is a wide. Adot ball is then bowled to end the over.
New Zealand 6/0 (RR: 3.00): Fleming 2* (3), Fulton 1* (9)

Boyd Rankin will share the new ball with Langford-Smith.

Over 1: Langford-Smith bowls a maiden over. He varied his length, but bowled on middle and off-stump.
New Zealand 0/0 (RR: 0.00): Fleming 0* (0), Fulton 0* (6)

Peter Fulton and Stephen Fleming will open the batting. Dave Langford-Smith will open the bowling.

Steve Bucknor and Simon Taufel are the umpires.

Ireland team: JP Bray, WTS Porterfield, EJG Morgan, NJ O'Brien, AR White, PG Gillespie, KJ O'Brien, DT Johnston, WK McCallan, D Langford-Smith, WB Rankin.

New Zealand team: PG Fulton, SP Fleming, HJH Marshall, SB Styris, CD McMillan, JDP Oram, BB McCullum, DL Vettori, JEC Franklin, SE Bond, JS Patel.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first!

Ireland have struggled in the Super Eight stage of the World Cup. New Zealand have continued their fine run of form since beating Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee Series.

The Black Caps will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament. The Irish will want to emulate Bangladesh's success in Guyana.

Welcome to the Super Eight encounter between New Zealand and Ireland live from the Providence Stadium in Guyana.