Kiwi women set for easy flight

With Debbie Hockley in their ranks, runs are not their biggest worry. Hockley went past the 3000-run mark in ODIs in this tournament and has already scored two centuries in this edition of the World Cup. The 35-year-old opener also has over 1000 runs in three World Cup tournaments that she has been a part of.

Backed by brilliant fielding, the Kiwis have got their opposition out pretty easily so far. All-rounder Katrina Withers has also had a good tournament with best figures of 10-6-5-4 against West Indies and a highest score of 57. But her best was against India when, bowling the last over with India needing a run to win, she got the last batswoman out first ball to force a dramatic tie.

Their opponents Ireland are the last-placed team in Group B with wins against Pakistan and Denmark. Among their losses is the glaring 208-run defeat to England at Pune.

But they have “nothing to be afraid of,” says Armstrong. “We don’t care who we play, we are positive and we are pleased to get this far,” she added.Ireland finished fourth in the 1988 World Cup in England and were fifth in Australia in ’95. They are looking forward to improving upon those performances.

Ireland have never beaten New Zealand. They lost both their matches last summer, with one rained off, when New Zealand were in Ireland as an extended part of their tour to England. But optimism comes in the form of new faces. Most of the players in the current squad were not a part of that team. A part of the young team described as the best Armstrong has been involved with is 16-year-old Clare Shillington, also known as “Baby Spice”.

The chubby Belfast schoolgirl, making this trip because school is closed for Christmas, took two wickets for five runs with her off-spinners against Pakistan in only her third One-day international. And she can also “belt the ball in the lower order” says Armstrong.

There is considerable experience too, with six of the team having played in World Cup before. Though experience is one thing lacking for Ireland, says opening bowler Barbara McDonald, as they do not get to play many internationals. Which is not surprising, for most play cricket as a hobby, added the 25-year-old technician.

Heather Whelan is likely to sit out tomorrow, having fractured a finger on her left hand during practice. But the final eleven will be decided tomorrow. Another minor problem are the four people who got left behind in New Delhi due to shortage of tickets, though they are likely to catch the evening fight. The four — coach John Wills, the team physio and two supporters.

Teams: New Zealand: Maia Lewis (captain), Shelley Fruin, Clare Nicholson, Debbie Hockley, Kelly Brown, Rebecca Rolls (wicket-keeper), Kathryn Ramel, Sara McLauchlan, Justine Fryer, Catherine Campbell, Katrine Withers, Rachael Pullor, Emily Drumm, Karen LeComber.

Ireland: Miriam Grealy (captain), Nikki Squire, Caitriona Beggs, Cliodhna Sharp, Grainne Leahy, Barbara McDonald, Davira Pratt, Catherine O’Neill, Heather Whelan, Adele Spence, Sandra Dawson (wicket-keeper), Clare Shillington, Claire O’Leary, Tracy Skoyles.