Ireland vs New Zealand – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs New Zealand taking place? Wednesday, July 20th, 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? 16-18c, dry but cloudy throughout with 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 31 runs.
THE LOWDOWN
IRELAND
- Ireland will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of having New Zealand 54/4 after winning the toss and asking the Kiwis to bat first, with their opponents ultimately finishing on 173/8 before a nightmare powerplay saw Ireland reduced to 37/4 and eventually bowled out for just 142.
- Joshua Little hugely impressed with the ball for the hosts, picking up four wickets with his left-arm seam, but the batters let the bowlers down with no player passing 29 runs and that must improve if they are to win here.
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand were indebted to Glenn Philips, who's excellent 69 not out laid the foundations for a successful score of the board after a cluster of Ireland wickets had the tourists in trouble initially.
- Jimmy Neesham returned to the Black Caps side and put in a good contribution with bat and ball, scoring 29 before taking two wickets with an economy rate of just 6.33 from his four overs, whilst the class of fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson saw him gain four scalps.
THE PREDICTION
In what is becoming a regular occurrence across this white ball series, Ireland found themselves in a position which could have seen them go on and accrue victory, before ultimately letting New Zealand off the hook. However, the class of the Black Caps took over across the course of this match with the quality of Ferguson in particular a level above the hosts. His pace always gives them a chance of early wickets and this can be added to the experience of players such as Neesham, plus Martin Guptill at the top of the order. When the pressure has been on them, New Zealand have come through the challenge throughout this tour of Ireland and are expected to do so again here. Back the tourists to win this second T20i.
