New Zealand seal last-ball thriller despite Stirling, Tector tons
Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls set Ireland a daunting 361, and they came agonisingly close
Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls set Ireland a daunting 361, and they came agonisingly close
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Ekanth and Deiva
Well, that's an end to a series that's felt almost too good to be true. Ireland could have won it 2-1 but ended up being whitewashed. But they have showcased immense development and got people to root for them. as Andy Balbirnie said, it would be great to see them play top teams. But with the ODI Super League not in the next World Cup cycle, chances are they won't. For now though, it's time to rejoice in the cricket that has overwhelmed expectations. Hope you enjoyed the ride and to see you back for the T20Is. It's goodbye from me, Ekanth, my fellow commentator, Deivarayan Muthu, and our scorers, Binoy George and Ranjith.
Stat from Sampath: This is the sixth time a team has lost an ODI after it had two centurions
Scott: "By crickey it is tough" Thanks for linking the lowest margins of victories in terms of runs. The New Zealanders pose with the trophy and cheer along to call it and end of a successful day. That didn't seem to be the case in the last hour and a half, Paul Stirling and Harry Tector had a 179-run stand. There were regular wickets but the big scores and seemingly minor yet significant contributions from McBrine, Tucker, Dockrell, and even Hume and Young who looked reassured in the last couple of overs meant Ireland were in sniffing distance from the target. Unfortunately for them, that's as how far they could get... again! This time, it was due to wickets from Matt Henry, pace of Ferguson, the guile of Santner. In a high-scoring game, they obviously went for runs but created chances, some of which weren't taken. Phillips had a shocker with three drops. But New Zealand had just enough to defend successfully.
Tom Latham, New Zealand Captain: It's been outstanding, credit to the groundstaff for creating a 360 plays 360 track. The wicket was hard and looked good. Credit to Ireland, to Paul and Tector. But we did well in the last ten overs. Every bowler who came in the end had a plan and executed it well. The guys have played great cricket and I'm happy with the way them.
Andy Balbirnie: Ireland Captain: It was an amazing game, we did well to go toe-to-toe with them. Bitter pill to swallow but it was great. The two hundreds were among the best I've seen. Tector has been threatening to do this, getting two in a week is special. Hope he will get more. We want to be playing these teams regularly, two against India and three here. it's a pity we don't play any ODIs for the rest of the year.
Michael Bracewell is the POTS: It's been an amazing series, hats off to Ireland. All three games could have gone either way. It's a privilege to represent the team, hadn't thought of being here now. We wanted 30 points and got it which is great.
Martin Guptill, POTM for his 115: it's been an exciting series, my first time in Ireland, fantastic for the crowd. It was a nice break for ten weeks. We are proud, I felt like I left a few out there. I lost my dad five years ago and it was nice to do this for him.
Sean: "Gutted for Ireland. This is cruel..."
Kalpit: "Five days ago, New Zealand won the match by one wicket. Now they have won the match by one run. Superb series, tough luck Ireland."
Aryan: "NOOOOOOOOOOO.... WHYYYY"
6:42 pm: The heartbreak continues for Ireland. The batters leave in dejection. Hugs and handshakes among the New Zealanders. Kudos to Tickner who kept the final over to eight when he had nine in the bag. He ensured there were no extras via wides or no balls, particularly on the last ball. The Irish tail wagged, the fact that they fell short should not take away from their effort that Dockrell, Tucker, Hume, and Young brought them this close.
Mid-wicket conference between the batters. Lots of fielding changes. Two to tie.
Final ball?
CA Young run out 6 (8m 3b 1x4 0x6) SR: 200.00
Tickner is the bowler as the visitors have exhausted the others. 10 to get, 2 wickets in hand.
Emotional Guptill dedicated his Player-of-the-Match honour to his late father
Martin Guptill and Henry Nicholls set Ireland a daunting 361, and they came agonisingly close