Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten century helped New Zealand to a thrilling one-wicket win over Ireland in the first one-day international at the village in Dublin.
New Zealand, chasing 301 to win, were reeling at 120 for 5 before Bracewell took the charge. However, they still needed 20 runs off the last over with only one wicket standing. But Bracewell’s breath taking final over heroics where he hit Craig Young for 24 off five balls handed Black Caps a victory.
Notably, it set a global record for the most runs scored in a run-chase situation during the 50th over o of one-day games. Prior to this, England held the record for the most runs scored in a successful run chase with 18, which they scored against Australia in 1987.
NZ Vs IRE 1st ODI Match Highlights:
The visitors, who had won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first, amassed 300 runs for the cost of nine wickets. The 22-year-old right-handed hitter, who last month impressed everyone with his power-hitting skills against India in the opening T20I and produced an undefeated 64 from 33 balls, was in his element and scored 113 off just 117 deliveries with the help of 14 fours and three sixes.
The Kiwis rested their key players for the current ODI series, and they nearly paid for it when they were struggling at 217 for 8 in 42.5 overs. However, Michael Bracewell, who was participating in just his fourth ODI game, not only turned the tables but also struck one of the greatest centuries in the history of white-ball cricket to ensure that the Black Caps reached the total and avoided a shock defeat to Ireland.
Player of the Match
Michael Bracewell was honoured with the man of the match award for his spectacular 127-run knock 0ff 82 balls, which guided his side take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The second match of the 3-match ODI series will take place at same venue, the village in Dublin on July 12.
