Ireland vs New Zealand, IRE vs NZ, Today Match Prediction 22 July 2022

ire vs nz Match Prediction & Analysis

Ireland would be aiming for an elusive win as they take on New Zealand in the third and the final T20 of the series. They suffered an 88-run loss in the last game and have already lost the series to the Kiwis. The side is low on confidence, and it will look to punch above its weight to win this game. A victory here would be a confidence booster as they get ready to host the South Africans next month.   

Ireland has never defeated New Zealand in any format of the game, and this would be on their minds. They have lost the five games they have played in this series with batsmen and bowlers not playing complementary roles. The Kiwis have shown good form and won tight games. They would look to end the series in style and whitewash the underperforming Irish side.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ireland Preview

It was one of the worst performances with the bat for Andrew Balbirnie’s side in the last game. They bowled poorly to let Kiwis set up a big total on the board and folded like a pack of cards when it came to their batting. Having lost all five games in this series, Balbirnie would look for a consolation win that would help the side gather confidence for future games.  

Paul Stirling and Balbirnie haven’t been consistent in recent games and the side would need a big opening wicket stand from them to put pressure on New Zealand. In the middle order, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker missed out in the last game, and they must steer the innings and build partnerships. Mark Adair displayed his hitting abilities, and he will need to add runs with George Dockrell and Curtis Campher down the order.      
 
Their bowlers haven’t fared well in the T20s, and the side would expect tight spells and early wickets from Mark Adair and Craig Young. Joshua Little has been good, and he will have to apply pressure on New Zealand batters in this game. The side would expect a good show in the supporting role from Barry McCarthy, Dockrell, and Campher as the Kiwis bat deep.

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

Mark Adair, Craig Young, Curtis Campher, Joshua Little, Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, George Dockrell, Lorcan Tucker, Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Andy Balbirnie

New Zealand Preview

Mitchell Santner would be proud of the efforts of his side. The young team has done well in the T20 leg of their tour after they had been challenged during the ODIs. His bowlers are looking excellent, and he would like to end the series with a convincing win as tougher tours are lined up for them in the next few months.  

Martin Guptill and Finn Allen are in good form and the side would like to see an electrifying start from the pair in this game. Dean Cleaver would be confident after his match-winning knock in the last game and look to add runs with Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell in the middle order. James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, and Santner have hitting abilities and make it a strong line-up.  

It was a great effort from their bowlers in the last game as they bowled out the Irish side for 91 runs. Santner and Jacob Duffy shall look to trouble the Irish top order which has been inconsistent. Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Bracewell have looked in good form and the side would want to see them bowl well. Neesham adds depth to this attack adding to the side’s advantage. 

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Mitchell Santner (c), Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Dane Cleaver (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Mitchell Santner, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell, Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips, Blair Tickner, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Finn Allen, James Neesham

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

There would be slight cloud cover over Belfast on July 22. The wicket is expected to be flat and good to bat on as we have already seen in the two games played here. There would be some assistance for the bowlers in the early overs of the game. The side batting first shall be happy to have 170 on the scoreboard.

Venue Details

Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast is a small ground, and its shorter boundaries make it a great venue for batsmen. They can score quick runs in boundaries, and we have seen big scores in the past. There is some assistance for fast bowlers with the new ball, but the conditions are extremely challenging for the spinners.

Toss: To Bat

We have seen the last five games at this venue being won by sides that have batted first. The wicket has been good at the start of the game, but it slows down in the latter half which makes life difficult for the batsmen. The side winning the toss in this game shall have little hesitation in opting to bat first.