New Zealand defeats Ireland in a thriller despite centuries from Stirling and Tector

New Zealand defeated Ireland by one run in the third ODI at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin, despite centuries from Paul Stirling and Harry Tector. Ireland was reduced to 359 for nine in 50 overs when chasing a total of 361, although Stirling and Tector striking 120 and 108, respectively. Martin Guptill had earlier hit 115 as New Zealand scored 360 for six in 50 overs. After winning the first two ODIs, New Zealand has an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series. Both games were tight, with Ireland just edging out on a victory. In the last ODI, both teams will be trying to put on a show for the spectators.

Ireland put up a magnificent batting show, but New Zealand held their cool under pressure and won the final phases when it really counted. Stirling and Tector both hit a century for the hosts, but neither could extend the game further as Ireland continued to lose wickets at regular intervals following the Stirling-Tector partnership. Although Ireland continued to gain boundaries at regular intervals, the experience of the Blackcaps was enough to send them home. NZ won the series 3-0 thanks to vital performances from Henry and Santner.

Earlier after electing to bat, New Zealand has generated a big score.  Martin Guptill and Finn Allen got New Zealand off to a flying start, hammering on a fifty-run partnership in seven overs. Finn Allen was out in the tenth over, while Will Young was out due to reckless running. Tom Latham rode his luck at the start of his innings, twice edging Little in the 14th over only to escape with a pair of boundaries. But he and Guptill then settled in nicely, taking New Zealand to 146-2 after 23 overs.Campher removed Latham for 30.

Following then, there were several productive partnerships, with every New Zealand batter contributing. Martin Guptill hit his 18th ODI century, and Henry Nicholls hit a quickfire fifty off 38 balls. Ireland couldn't keep the scoring pace under control since they couldn't get wickets. Nicholls was finally bowled for 79 off 54 balls by a Craig Young off-cutter, but Phillips (47 off 30), Michael Bracewell (21* off 16), and Mitchell Santner (14* off 10) helped New Zealand to 360-6.

Ireland Men v New Zealand Men, 3rd ODI, Malahide, 15 July 2022

New Zealand 360-6 (50 overs; M Guptill 115, H Nicholls 79; J Little 2-84)

Ireland 359-5 (50 overs; P Stirling 120, H Tector 108; M Henry 4-68)

New Zealand won by 1 run