Published: May 14, 2017, 07:16 PM (IST)
Edited: May 14, 2017, 07:16 PM (IST)
In the second ODI of the Tri-Nation series, prayers of Ireland and New Zealand worked wonders as the sun was shining bright in the first innings, barring a brief period. Opting to bowl, Ireland bowlers kept things tight relatively but fifties from George Worker, Ross Taylor and Neil Broom propelled Kiwis’ score to 289 for 7 in 50 overs. Ireland will have to bat really well and chase down the total to notch up their first victory over Black Caps in the 50-over format. The first ODI, between Ireland and Bangladesh was washed out due to rain after only 31 overs of play. Full Cricket Scorecard, Ireland vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI, Dublin
Stand-in skipper, Tom Latham and wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi started the innings on a promising note. Adding a fifty-run stand, the pair looked set with Ronchi attacking in particular. Nonetheless, Barry McCarthy, brought in as first-change bowler, removed both the openers in quick succession. While Ronchi fell trying to be too adventurous, Latham edged one to the wicketkeeper for 15.
Ross Taylor and George Worker came together with the score at 55 for 2 and added an 84-run stand to rescue Kiwis after early jolts. Neil Broom took over and slammed a fine fifty, enjoying good support from James Neesham (30). Irish bowlers kept it simple, bowled tight lines and were rewarded with breakthroughs in the fag end of the innings, which restricted Kiwis under 300. George Dockrell and Kevin O’Brien were economical, while McCarthy scalped 2 dismissals. For Kiwis, their top and middle order contributed and played a part in setting up a challenging score.
This is the first time Ireland are hosting New Zealand in their backyard. Also this is only the third face-off between both teams in ODIs. Interestingly, the two teams New Zealand and Ireland last met in an ODI in 2008. New Zealand have won both the games and will be eager to maintain a clean sheet versus the hosts.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 289 for 7 in 50 overs (George Worker 50, Ross Taylor 52, Neil Broom 79, Barry McCarthy 2 for 59, Kevin O’Brien 1 for 46) vs Ireland
