The Black Caps clinched the three-match T20I series against Ireland after taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 with a game to spare. Dane Cleaver’s brilliant 78* off 55 balls and a strong performance from the bowlers handed New Zealand a comprehensive victory over the hosts by 88 runs on Wednesday.
As it happened, Ireland won the toss and chose to field first. The decision didn’t turn out well for the second time in a row, as Finn Allen’s blistering 35 off 20 got the Kiwis off to a great start. Dane Cleaver, playing only his second T20I, provided the solidity at number 3, much like his cousin Kane Williamson has done over the years.
Cleaver added 53 runs for the third wicket with Glenn Phillips (23) and 48 for the fourth wicket with Daryl Mitchell (14). He remained unbeaten with five fours and four sixes as the Kiwis posted 179/4 in 20 overs.
Similar to the first T20I, Ireland had an awful start to the run-chase, losing four wickets inside the powerplay. Jacob Duffy and Lockie Ferguson did the damage in the powerplay while Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell picked up the pieces.
Sodhi picked 3 for 21 in his three overs while Bracewell claimed a hat-trick, wrapping up the tail without bowling a full over. The hosts were bowled out for just 91 in 13.5 overs. Mark Adair, batting at number 8, was the top scorer for Ireland with 27.
The two teams will meet in the third and final T20I on Thursday at the same venue in Belfast.
Brief scores
New Zealand 179/4 in 20 overs (Cleaver 78*, Allen 35; Little 2/31, Young 2/34) defeated Ireland 91 in 13.5 overs (Adair 27, Stirling 21; Bracewell 3/5, Sodhi 3/21) by 88 runs.
