IRE vs NZ | 2nd T20I | Preview, Prediction & CREX XI

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

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

The Black Caps, under Mitchell Santner’s leadership, also won the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead.

The visitors batted first and stroked their way to 173-8 from their 20 overs. Glenn Phillips struck a power-packed 69* while the likes of James Neesham and Michael Bracewell provided finishing touches to the innings.

The Irish chase never took off as they lost their first four wickets within the powerplay itself.

The hosts fell 31 runs short of their target as New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson rocked the Ireland’s batting line-up with 4-14.

Match Details

Match: Ireland vs New Zealand, second T20I
Venue: Stormont, Belfast
Date & Time: July 20 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 116.

Despite the history, a strong New Zealand batting line-up might put up a batting exhibition, much like they did during their 173-run first innings effort here in the first match of the series.

Out of the 24 matches played here, 13 of them have been won by sides batting second. Considering the overall results and the ground’s track record, captain winning the toss might look to field first.

Head-To-Head

The two sides have faced each other twice in the truncated format of the game. The New Zealanders emerged victorious on both occasions. 

CREX XI Suggestion

Wicket-Keeper: Lorcan Tucker
Batters: Martin Guptill, Andy Balbirnie, Harry Tector, Glenn Phillips
All-Rounders: Mitchell Santner, Mark Adair, James Neesham, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Andy McBrine, Lockie Ferguson

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 2-0 lead in the series.