New Zealand took Ireland in the first odi at The Village, Dublin. As expected Ireland gave a tough fight to kiwis and an enthralling match was played between these two teams.
Tom Latham won the toss and opted to bowl first. Ireland had a poor start, both the openers departed under the score of 26. Harry Tector, who was impeccable in the last T20 series against India displayed his immense class scored a terrific hundred in 117 balls. By the help of Tector’s maiden ODI hundred, Ireland set a colossal score of 300 runs. Andy Mcbrine and Curtis Campher supported Tector and added 39 & 43 respectively.
New Zealand lost their first wicket, of Fin Allen who dismissed on the score of 6 runs. Martin Guptill became the prey of Curtis Campher just after his half century. New Zealand’s middle order couldn’t bat at their full potential in big run chase. Will Young, Tom Latham & Henry Nicholls couldn’t be able to add enough runs in teams’ total. Then came Michael’s Bracewell who was playing in just 4th ODI match. Even without having a lot of experience, Bracell showed his talent against the Irish bowlers and scored hundred facing just 74 deliveries.
New Zealand needed 20 runs in the last over to win the match. On the first delivery of Young, he flicked the ball down the leg side and it went for four. On the second delivered, he flicked again on low full-toss and ball went for boundary between square leg and fine leg. Young bowled the 3rd delivery in a slot which Bracewell hit for a six over deep mid-wicket. On the 4th delivery, Bracewell pulled in between mid-wicket & square leg on a slower length ball and it went for four. On the 5th and final delivery, Bracewell moved the bat with full swing and smashed an outrageous six over the long on. New Zealand thrashed Ireland by 1 wicket in the thrilling 1st game.
Bracewell remained not out on 127 runs facing 82 balls and was adjudged man of the match for his outstanding knock.
