New Zealand Beat Ireland By 3 Wickets; Build Unassailable 2-0 Lead

Cricket Image for New Zealand Beat Ireland By 3 Wickets; Build Unassailable 2-0 Lead (Image Source: Google)

After Mark Adair dealt blows on the first two deliveries of the New Zealand innings, the Kiwis held their nerves as they chased down a target of 217 in 38.1 overs with 3 wickets in hand. With this win, New Zealand have built an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3-match series with the third match yet to be played. 

Opener Finn Allen and captain Tom Latham etched a partnership of 101 runs after New Zealand lost Martin Guptill and Will Young on the first two delivery of the innings. Finn Allen scored 60 runs in 58 balls with 6 fours & 3 sixes while Tom Latham contributed with 55 runs.

The Irish bowlers didn't let lose and kept picking up wickets at regular intervals after the 3rd wicket century stand, but the hero of the first ODI for the Kiwis, Michael Bracewell, played an unbeaten knock of 42 to chase down the target with 71 deliveries in hand. For Ireland, Simi Singh and Mark Adair picked up 2 wickets each Craig Young and Curtis Campher managed 1 wicket each.

In the first innings, Ireland were bowled out for 216 in 48 overs. George Dockrell was the top scorer with 74 runs in 61 balls with 10 fours & 2 sixes while batting at #7. For New Zealand, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner grabbed 2 wickets each while Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips managed 1 wicket each. 

Earlier, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss & opted to bowl first against Ireland in the 2nd ODI. This match was played at The Village, Dublin.

Brief Score:

• Ireland - 216/10 in 48.1 overs
• New Zealand - 219/7 in 38.1 overs