IRELAND VS NEW ZEALAND : KIWIS SET RECORD WITH 24 RUNS OFF LAST OVER AGAINST IRELAND
By Bibhu Ray
(The Quiver): Michael Bracewell smashed 24 runs in the last over, including a winning six off the penultimate delivery, as New-Zealand beat Ireland by one wicket with one ball to spare on Sunday in the series-opening One-Day International.
New-Zealand finished on 305-9 in 49.5 overs at Malahide in reply to Ireland of 300-9.
When opener Martin Guptill was dismissed for 51 in the 22nd over, the Black Caps appeared to be out of the game at 120-5. However, Bracewell took control and blazed an unbeaten 127 off 82 balls, with the last of his seven sixes finished the tense contest in style.
The New-Zealanders set a record by successfully chasing 20 off the final six balls. That surpassed the previous 50th-over best in an ODI chase by England against Australia in 1987.
In addition to 20 fours, Bracewell’s innings featured significant partnerships of 64 for the ninth wicket with Lockie Ferguson and 61 for the seventh wicket with Ish Sodhi (25). He said he just “enjoyed every moment” of his first century.
The result for Ireland was tough, particularly for Harry Tector, who scored his first ODI century batting at No. 4 after New Zealand chose to bowl at Malahide.
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie said Bracewell timed his run chase to perfection.
“We pretty much went toe to toe with them all the way until last few overs, “Andy Balbirnie said. “I can’t really fault the guys today. They put up a great shift today, and unfortunately we couldn’t get over the line.””Very quiet dressing room at the moment.
“New-Zealand is at start of a white-ball tour of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
