Ross Taylor smashed 74 runs off 36 balls to help New Zealand to a seven-wicket win in a Twenty20 practice match.

Taylor, whose innings included eight sixes and two fours, was well supported by Martin Guptill who finished not out on 45 from 42 deliveries as the Black Caps reached 153/3 in 17 overs in reply to Ireland's 152/5 in Derby.

Jesse Ryder starred with the ball taking three wickets for just four runs, while skipper Daniel Vettori finished with two for 18.

After being put in Ireland opener Jeremy Bray top scored with 48 as he and Paul Stirling made 70.

But thereafter the New Zealand bowling attack put the brakes on.

In his first outing since the Indian Premier League, Brendon McCullum was dismissed for nine and Ryder went for 15.

New Zealand coach Andy Moles said he was pleased with the workout his team got as they build towards next month's ICC World Twenty20.

"Our bowlers bowled better lines and our fielding was more intense," said Moles. "And Ross's big hitting innings was impressive."

"This was a good win, but we need to keep focused on improving with every game as we head into the tournament."

The win was the second for the Black Caps this week after they enjoyed a four-wicket victory against Bangladesh.