Ireland vs New Zealand – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs New Zealand taking place? Monday, July 18th, 2022 – 16:00 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs New Zealand taking place? Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast
What is the expected weather for Ireland vs New Zealand? 23-26c, with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze
What channel is Ireland vs New Zealand on? This game will be televised in the UK live on BT Sport.
Where can I stream Ireland vs New Zealand? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app
LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Ireland by 83 runs.
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
- Across the three-match ODI series, Ireland did everything but beat New Zealand having lost two of those games by one wicket and one run respectively and following a promising showing in their recent T20i series against India, the hosts will be desperate to finally realise their potential by getting a win on the board.
- 22-year-old Harry Tector is fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting batters in world cricket with his performances for Ireland and he will no doubt prove the key wicket for the Black Caps, whilst opener Paul Stirling is back in form following his hundred in the third ODI.
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand have been dealt an early blow heading into this T20i series with fast bowler Adam Milne unable to take any part due to an Achilles injury which will also see him not feature against the Netherlands in August.
- The experience of Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell coming into the squad should hugely benefit the tourists, with Mitchell in particular in excellent form following a run-laden Test series against England back in June.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand will unsurprisingly head into this first T20i as clear favourites against Ireland, but following the three ODIs, Ireland fans have every reason to think their team can finally grab that elusive victory here in Belfast. The hardest thing in sport can sometimes be getting over the finish line and despite matching the Black Caps in all departments across much of the ODI series, this was where Ireland came up short. However, a change of format to 20 over cricket may well prove just the tonic they need, especially when taking into account Stirling’s return to form. It would be no surprise whatsoever if Ireland finally gained their first win against New Zealand across this white ball tour and backing this outcome warrants serious consideration.
