The Baby Black Caps were beaten by 41 runs (DLS method) by Ireland in the Super Six clash in Bloemfontein.
It was a first victory over New Zealand for Ireland in 50 attempts across men’s, women’s and youth cricket in all formats, and ensured New Zealand missed out on the semifinals.
Ireland rattled up 267 for nine after choosing to bat.
Gavin Roulston led the way with 82 off 101 balls, and he and Kian Hilton (72 off 91) added 129 for the third wicket.
New Zealand opening bowler Ewald Schreuder put the brakes on by mopping up the tail to finish with four for 46.
Zac Cumming took one for 34, but Otago team-mate Mason Clarke did not play.
New Zealand’s reply never really got going.
James Nelson took 64 balls for his 34, and Robbie Foulkes added 25.
Lachlan Stackpole (33 not out off 35 balls) lifted the scoring rate before a dramatic finish.
Play was abruptly interrupted as lightning struck in Bloemfontein, and the game was unable to be restarted, leaving the Irish well ahead on the DLS method.
South Africa will play India in one semifinal, and Australia will meet Pakistan in the other.
