So close yet so far!! Ireland, chasing 360, lost the third ODI against New Zealand at Malahide by just a run! The massive total was almost not enough against the so-called minnows Ireland! There were centuries, there were cameos and New Zealand held on to their nerve till the last delivery to clinch the match and complete a whitewash in this 3-match ODI series!
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| Image Credits: Sportskeeda |
Having opted to bat first, New Zealand were kick-started with a 78-run partnership from their openers! Martin Guptill went on to score his century - 115 off 126 balls. Even though his strike rate was on the lower side, Henry Nicholls (79 off 54), and Glenn Phillips (47 off 30) ensured NZ get to a massive total of 360/6 in 50 overs.
Andy McBrine, though failed to pick up a wicket, was the only Irish bowler in this match having conceded less than 6 runs per over! At the halfway stage, New Zealand were in for a big victory having posted a massive total on the board!
Ireland's chase was fuelled by the twin centuries from Paul Stirling (120 off 103) and Harry Tector (108 off 106)! The duo had a record-breaking 221-run stand for the third wicket which gave Ireland a fighting chance in this run-chase. Once the duo has been separated, New Zealand held on to a 1-run victory with the home team taking the game till the final delivery of the match!
Martin Guptill has been adjudged as the Player of the Match for helping New Zealand set up a huge total! With this 1-run victory, New Zealand have completed a 3-0 whitewash against Ireland. The 3-match T20I series between these two teams will kick start on Monday with all 3 matches being scheduled to be played at Belfast.
Brief Scores: New Zealand - 360/6 in 50 overs (Martin Guptill - 115, Josh Little - 2/84) defeated Ireland - 359/9 in 50 overs (Paul Stirling - 120, Matt Henry - 4/68) by a margin of 1 run
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