Ireland Under 19's finished their World Cup campaign on a high with a 41-run DLS win against New Zealand that ensured an eighth place finish.

Half centuries from Bready left-hander Gavin Roulston and Kian Hilton saw Ireland post a competitive 267 for 9, that was defended by a disciplined bowling display spearheaded by YMCA's Olly Riley.

Batting first, Irish openers Ryan Hunter (24) and Jordan Neill (19) added 43 for the first wicket, but fell in quick succession.

The mantle was then taken up by Man of the Match Kian Hilton who hit a fluent 72 from 91 balls (7 fours), who shared a match defining third wicket partnership of 129 in 26 overs with top-scorer Roulston (82).

Hilton's dismissal saw wickets tumble, with four wickets for Ewald Schreuder reducing Ireland to 208 for 7. Roulston shephered the lower order, upping the tempo after passing his half century - making an additional 31 from 21 balls, before holing out in the deep.

The Kiwis bowling was in truth ragged, with the concession of 38 extras - including 28 wides crucial in the final analysis.

Olly Riley struck in his fourth over, and went on to capture two more as Pete Johnston's side never relinquished control of the contest.

A run out and a wicket for Harry Dyer just before the game was abandoned left NZ on 131 for 5 when play was halted - comfortably ahead of the game on DLS.

Ireland's automatic qualification for the 2026 event had already been secured, but the eight place finish is the best performance by them at this level.

They were obviously helped by the bizarre changes to the format by ICC, but there will be no complaints from the Irish, who aside from a heavy loss against India acquitted themselves well throughout the tournament.