IRE vs NZ | Paul Stirling, Harry Tector tons go in vain as New Zealand beat Ireland by 1 run

Ireland, who were playing the third and final ODI of the three-match series to salvage some pride against the Kiwis, fell just 1 run short of avoiding a clean sweep by the Tom Latham-led unit.

Ireland's Chase: So Near Yet So Far

Chasing a mammoth target of 361 runs, Ireland were restricted to 359 for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs, despite imperious tons from Paul Stirling (120) and Harry Tector (108). 

Apart from them, none of their batters managed to cash in on their starts. Andy McBrine (26), Gareth Delany (22) and George Dockrell (22)  did play breezy cameos but none of them could hang on till the end to finish the chase.

For New Zealand, right-arm seamer Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers as the 30-year-old bagged a 4-wicket haul while conceding 68 runs in his quota of 10 overs. 

Martin Guptill & Henry Nicholls Show Propelled Black Caps To A Big Total

On the back of explosive knocks from opener Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls, the Kiwis managed to rack up 360 runs in the allocated 50 overs.

Guptill and Allen provided a flying start to the tourists, forging a dazzling 78-run stand for the opening wicket before the latter was sent packing by Joshua Little for the score of 33, and Will Young followed him soon.

Interim skipper Tom Latham then took the matter into his hand and made sure he didn't hinder the momentum Allen had provided at the top of the order.  

The wicketkeeper-batter gave Guptill (26-ball 30) good company during his short stay in the middle, stitching a 60-run stand for the 3rd wicket. 

However, it was the 96-run partnership between Henry Nicholls and Guptill that propelled New Zealand to a big total at the end of the first innings. 

While Guptill went on to score his 18th ODI century, Nicholls too went bonkers with the bat and scored 79 off just 54 balls.

Brief Score: 

New Zealand: 360/6 (50 Overs) 

Martin Guptill 115 (126), Henry Nicholls 79 (54); Joshua Little 2-84 (10) 

Ireland: 359/9 (50 Overs) 

Paul Stirling 120 (103), Harry Tector 108 (106); Matt Henry 4-68 (10), Mitchell Santner 3-71 (10) 

New Zealand won by 1 run.