Santa's Little Helper leads Black Caps to win over Ireland

A thrilled Seth Rance has made a memorable New Zealand debut in their thrashing of an Irish selection in Dublin.

Central Districts seamer Rance took 4-13 off four overs as the Ireland Wolves were restricted to 149-9 in a 25-over match at the Leinster Cricket Club ground.

It handed the Black Caps an 85-run win after they had smashed their way to 234-6 in a match designed as preparation for a tri-series involving hosts Ireland and Bangladesh beginning this weekend.

New Zealand have been forced to name an under-strength team for the tournament, with many of their leading players involved in the latter stages of the Indian Premier League.

New Zealand's raw seam trio took eight wickets between them, reducing the home side to 26-5 inside the first five overs.

Scott Kuggeleijn (2-30) was also making his New Zealand debut. Like Rance, he has shone at domestic level for the last two summers.

New ball specialist Hamish Bennett (2-28) made his first Black Caps appearance in more than three years.

Rance appreciated bowling in familiar conditions having begun a stint in England's North Lancashire league last month.

"It was a pretty proud moment, even though it was a warm-up game," he said.

"And not a bad way to start the tour, with a four-for.

"Hopefully I can carry on and put my hand up for selection and see what happens."

Earlier, captain Tom Latham retired for 52 off 37 balls while fellow-opener Luke Ronchi raced to 41 off 21 in an encouraging knock for the veteran wicketkeeper.

Neil Broom's 45 and George Worker's unbeaten 37 off 15 balls were the other innings of note against a lightweight attack.

New Zealand's first of four games in the tri-series is against Ireland on Sunday.

Ireland meet Bangladesh the day before.

This article was first published on radiosport.co.nz and is republished here with permission.