IRELAND have been beaten by 42 runs in their debut Women’s World Twenty20 appearance against New Zealand in Bangladesh.
Trent Johnston’s team lost their opening Group A fixture, after Suzie Bates and Frances Mackay recorded an opening partnership of 116 for the Kiwis.
Ireland required a score of 172 after New Zealand posted a total of 171-3.
Claire Shillington opened the Irish batting with 28 runs, including six boundaries.
Top scorer for the Irish was Cecelia Joyce who posted 41 runs not out, but the team were still unable to reach the required run rate.
Ireland - who began the tournament as the lowest-ranked team in the group – finished the 20 overs on 129-5.
The next game for Ireland is on Thursday against the reigning World T20 champions Australia.
See More: Cricket, Ireland, New Zealand, Women's World Twenty 20
