IRE vs NZ | 1st ODI | Michael Bracewell's record-breaking knock crushes Irish hearts

New Zealand's Michael Bracewell on Sunday played one of the greatest counter-attacking knocks that one has ever seen in an ODI run-chase to help the visitors pull off a stunning jail-break against Ireland in Dublin.

Chasing 301, the Blackcaps looked down and out for a major part of their innings as the Irish bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.

Bracewell pulls off a miracle

However, Bracewell, who came to bat when the tourists were reeling at 5-120, showcased a masterclass in innings construction, stroke play and temperament as he hammered an unbeaten 82-ball 127 to take his side over the finishing line on the penultimate delivery of the innings with one wicket to spare.

It was a proper one-day innings from Bracewell where he scored at less than run-a-ball off the first 46 deliveries (41 runs) he faced before launching a stunning counterattack that left the Irish bowlers ragged and devoid of ideas.

The southpaw smashed his last 86 runs off just 36 deliveries to not only bring up his maiden international hundred but also an unprecedented win for New Zealand.

It all came down to scoring 20 off the last six deliveries and Bracewell laid into Craig Young by smashing him for 4,4, 6,4, 6 off the first five deliveries to clinch a barely believable heist. This is also the first time that New Zealand have chased 20 runs in the final over of an ODI innings.

This is also the highest score by a batsman batting No.7 or below in a successful run-chase.

Despite Bracewell's once in a lifetime assault, it is worth pointing out that Ireland were clearly the better side on the day for a major part of the 100 overs.

Tector showcased his worth yet again

Led by yet another brilliant knock by Harry Tector (113 off 117 deliveries) and a handy 43 off 47 from all-rounder Curtis Campher, the home side put on a strong batting display to post 300/9 in 50 overs.

What made Tector's knock even more brilliant is the fact that it came after his side had lost their top-3 at the score of 86 thanks to Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. 

Tector bided his time and along with Campher and Lorcan Tucker (26 off 22) plotted a brilliant comeback with partnerships of 94 and 61 respectively.

This was Tector's maiden ODI ton and a richly deserved one given the fact that he had scored 5 50+ scores in his last 6 innings.

Simi's Singh brisk 30 off 19 at the backend gave Ireland a finishing kick they needed and when their bowlers- Campher (3/49 in 10) & Mark Adair (2/43 in 7) reduced the Kiwis to 120/5, it looked as if the home side was on their way to a famous win.

But, then Bracewell happened to crush the fairytale.

Brief Scores:

Ireland 300/9 (50)

Harry Tector 113 (117)

Curtis Campher 43 (47)

Simi Singh 30 (19)

Lockie Ferguson 2/44 (10)

Ish Sodhi 2/62 (10)

New Zealand 305/9 (49.5)

Michael Bracewell 127* (82)

Martin Guptill 51 (61)

Curtis Campher 3/49 (10)

Mark Adair 2/43 (7)

Match Result: New Zealand won by 1 wicket