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T20 World Cup 2022 | Andy Balbirnie says Ireland failed to capitalise against top-class New Zealand

image-la2akoblBalbirnie in action [Source: Associated Press]

Ireland sustained their third defeat this T20 World Cup 2022, by falling 35 runs short of a strong New Zealand side. Chasing 186 in their final match of the tournament, the Irish batters wasted a strong opening start, provided at the top by openers Paul Stirling and captain Andy Balbirnie.

The duo minted 68 runs off the first eight overs, until Balbirnie’s dismissal triggered a semi collapse in the run-chase. After losing five wickets for just 34 additional runs, they eventually fell, slipped and dragged their way to 150-9 from their 20 overs.

Cricket Ireland, who qualified for the Super 12 round after an emphatic run in the qualifying stages, is now placed at number five on the Group 1 points table.

Andy Balbirnie says team failed to capitalise good start

After the match, Balbirnie admitted that the team failed to capitalise on the strong opening stand. The cricketer also praised New Zealand and described Kane Williamson and co. as a top-class team.

“We played a top-class team, and were a bit off in the middle and when you play a top-class team you have to capitalise, which we did not after the start we got. We bowled pretty well, but our fielding has been a bit off in the tournament. 

The guys have played really well. We have been happy with the effort. We caused a couple of upsets, we are playing better cricket than we were in the last 12 months, everyone is starting to show their class.”

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