Michael Bracewell only needed five balls to assist New Zealand to defeat Ireland by 20 runs in the final over.
It was a one-wicket victory for New Zealand over Ireland in the inaugural one-day international in Dublin on Sunday. Michael Bracewell’s century helped the Black Caps win by a slender margin in the final over of the contest. New Zealand needed 20 runs from the final over to beat Ireland by 301 runs. Bracewell held his nerves and snatched victory for New Zealand despite the odds against him.
Despite New Zealand needing 20 runs to win and Craig Young bowling the final over for Ireland, Bracewell smashed 4,4,6,4,6 to secure the thrilling victory for his side.
As a result of Bracewell’s heroics in the last over, New Zealand became the first side in men’s ODI history to score 20 runs in the 50th over. Prior to this, England’s 18-run chase against Australia in the 50th over was the highest ever in the 50th over.
Check out Michael Bracewell’s final-over performance in Ireland vs New Zealand match here:
New Zealand was in trouble at 120/5 when Bracewell took up the crease. In addition to rescuing the Black Caps from the brink of defeat, the southpaw’s 127 runs off 82 balls helped them win the match.
After the game, New Zealand captain Tom Latham remarked, “The way Michael (Bracewell) retained his composure with the tail was brilliant, it was a special knock.”
First-innings totals of 113 and 43 from Harry Tector and Curtis Campher gave Ireland a commanding lead over New Zealand in the first one-day international. The guests, on the other hand, made it home with just one ball remaining. In addition to Bracewell, Martin Guptill scored 51 runs to assist New Zealand win the game.
