Cricket News: Ireland VS New Zealand 2nd T20I-Blackcaps have taken a 2-0 lead in the series
The second T20I was won by New Zealand by 88 runs after they bowled out Ireland for 91 in the 14th over while chasing 180
Blackcaps have taken a 2-0 lead in the seriesDane Cleaver's steady yet efficient 55-ball 78* and a commanding performance from New Zealand's bowlers gave the visitors a convincing 88-run victory over Ireland in the second Twenty20 international in Belfast. With one game remaining, the victory gave New Zealand an unbeatable 2-0 lead and sealed the three-game series for them.
The best bowlers for New Zealand, who each took three wickets, were the spin twin's Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell. Even though Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, and George Dockrell were all taken out by Sodhi in the middle overs, giving him a final score of 3 for 21, Bracewell had the biggest grin by the time the game was over. The offspinner took three wickets in three deliveries in his maiden T20I over, making him just the third New Zealand bowler after Tim Southee and Jacob Oram to take three wickets in a T20I.
Final Scorecard: NZ-179/4(20.0 overs) & Ireland-91(13.5 overs)
Post Match Comments
Mitchell Santner | Winning captain: It was a logical triumph. Dane played outstandingly to help us get that result. Bracewell can currently handle most tasks across all formats. The second game might play similarly to the first since it would be played on a different pitch.
Andrew Balbirnie | Losing skipper: It's Twenty20 cricket. We were never truly in the game when chasing 170. We as batsmen must accept responsibility for this game because they played exceptionally well to tip the scales in favour of New Zealand. We came close last week in ODIs, but we didn't play to our full potential in T20s. Before the World Cup, a lot of strong teams are coming through, so we need to keep getting better every day.
Player of the Match: Dane Cleaver
D. Cleaver | MOM: A pretty unique day to help the nation achieve a successful victory. The wicket provided a few small variances. The fact that I stuck to my alternatives and it worked even if it wasn't my most fluid inning. There is nothing I desire more than to play for my country, and it is a wonderful feeling.
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