IRE vs NZ 1st T20I | Preview, Prediction, CREX XI

New Zealand's tour of Ireland will now continue with a three-match T20I series at Belfast’s Stormont. The first of the three matches will be played on July 18.

Earlier, the visiting Kiwis overcame the Irish challenge with the narrowest of margins in all three ODIs, thus taking home the series 3-0.

While New Zealand were saved by Michael Bracewell’s 127-run thunder in the first ODI run-chase, they managed to navigate the next fixture with fifties from Finn Allen and captain Tom Latham.

The third match featured as many as 719 runs, with Latham’s travelling unit emerging victors off the final ball.

Batting first, New Zealand compiled 360-6 on the back of a herculean ton from dashing opener Martin Guptill. Henry Nicholls clubbed a 54-ball 79 while Bracewell and Mitchell Santner provided finishing touches to the monumental total.

In response, hosts Ireland gave the Black Caps plenty of scares.

Paul Stirling and in-form batter Harry Tector plundered hundreds while the rest provided assistance with important cameos.

That said, the memorable fightback was not enough as the Irish fell short by a run in the final over.

Match Details

Match: Ireland vs New Zealand, first T20I
Venue: Stormont, Belfast
Date & Time: July 18 at 8:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: FanCode

Pitch Report

The conditions in Stormont are known to be conducive to pacers. The average first innings total at the venue has been 114.

Out of the 22 matches played here, 13 of them have been won by sides batting second. Considering the overall results and the ground’s track record, the captain winning the toss might look to field first.

Head-To-Head

The upcoming match marks only the second time these two sides will be facing each other in the truncated format. Their previous and only meeting thus far came in the 2009 T20 World Cup in England, where the Black Caps emerged victorious by 83 runs.

CREX XI Suggestion

Wicket-Keeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Martin Guptill (C), Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector (VC), Dane Cleaver  
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Mark Adair, James Neesham, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Andy McBrine, Ish Sodhi

Captain: Martin Guptill
Vice-Captain: Harry Tector

Prediction: New Zealand are yet to lose a game on this tour. Considering the form of their key players, we can bet on the Black Caps to take a 1-0 lead in the series.   

Read: Pat Cummins rested for the ODIs against Zimbabwe and New Zealand