New Zealand will now take on hosts Ireland in the second ODI of their three-match series on July 12. The ODI leg of the tour forms a part of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Super League 2019-23.
The first bout between the two sides turned out to be a hard-fought tussle, with the Black Caps securing a win off the penultimate ball of the match. Charismatic all-rounder Michael Bracewell excelled with an unbeaten ton as his side came up big in the clutch moment to defeat the Irishmen.
Batting first, Ireland charted 300-9 from their 50 overs. In-form batsman Harry Tector was at the hub of his country’s innings as he put the Kiwi bowlers to the sword with a rebellious 113. Tail-ender Simi Singh provided the finishing touches to the total with a 19-ball 30.
In response, New Zealand lost wickets in succession, dropping to 4-83 at one stage. They lost their eighth batsman within the 43rd over of the innings, still, 84 runs away from the target.
Bracewell, however, flayed the Irish bowlers throughout the run-chase. He clubbed 127* from just 82 deliveries, with 24 of them coming in the decisive over of the match.
Trailing the three-match series, Andrew Balbirnie’s Ireland side desperately needs a win in the upcoming second game to keep the series alive. On the other hand, visiting Kiwis will aim to wrap up the ODI segment of their Irish tour unbeaten.
Match Details
Match: Ireland vs New Zealand
Venue: The Village, Dublin
Date & Time: July 12 at 3:15 PM IST
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
The conditions at Dublin’s The Village have been conducive to batters. The first match of the series played here staged over 600 runs in a high-scoring thriller.
Even the preceding two ODIs played at the venue last year saw sides slamming scores of 290 and 346 while batting first.
Head-To-Head
Out of the five ODIs contested between the two sides, the New Zealand team has emerged victorious on all five occasions.
Probable Playing XI
Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Curtis Campher, Craig Young, Joshua Little.
New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Will Young, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Lockie Ferguson.
CREX XI Suggestion
Wicket-Keeper: Tom Latham
Batters: Martin Guptill (c), Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector (vc), Will Young
All-Rounders: Michael Bracewell, Mark Adair, Glenn Phillips, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Andy McBrine, Matt Henry
Captain: Martin Guptill
Vice-Captain: Harry Tector