We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report for Ireland vs New Zealand 3rd T20I
But for Ireland’s disappointing show, the pitch at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast has been batting friendly. In the previous game, 6 out of 10 Ireland wickets were picked by the New Zealand spinners.
Probable XIs for Ireland & New Zealand
Probable XI for Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Gareth Delany, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Joshua Little
Playing XI for New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Dane Cleaver (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy
Power Players for the Match
It has been a dream tour of Ireland for Michael Bracewell. Despite adding as many 211 runs, he has been dismissed only once in four innings. With the ball too, he has taken 5 wickets, including a hat-trick in the second T20I. It appears that he can do nothing wrong.
Given the hostile approach Lockie Ferguson carries towards bowling, he will continue to reward fantasy players. He has already bagged 5 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.80.
Smart Picks for the Match
Playing in only his second T20I, Dane Cleaver walked away with the Player of the Match award for smashing 78 off 55 balls. In the process, he hit 5 fours and 4 sixes and generated bonus fantasy points. With the gloves, he has inflicted 4 dismissals till now.
Much of Ireland’s collapse should be attributed to the brilliance of Ish Sodhi with the ball. He has picked 6 wickets on this tour, including the best figures of 3 for 21 in the last game.
Although Joshua Little has been slightly on the expensive side, he is the leading wicket-taker (6) in this series. His ability to strike at the death has benefited fantasy players immensely.
Similar to what he did in the second and third ODIs, Finn Allen once again gave a rollicking start in the last game before he returned to the pavilion after scoring a 20-ball 35. His aggressive approach bodes well for fantasy players.
Mark Adair proved to be the dark horse in fantasy leagues for his 22-ball 27 towards the end. In the process, he also finished as the highest run-scorer for Ireland. He had scored 25 and picked 2 wickets in the opening T20I.
Martin Guptill might have added only 35 runs in the first two T20Is, but he remains a dangerous batter, especially in this format.
Also Read:
India vs West Indies Head to Head Stats in ODIs
Form Concerns
Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbernie have found it tough to break the shackles in this series. While Stirling has scored only 33 runs in two innings, Balbernie too has managed a mere 22 runs. Ireland will hope for one big effort from their experienced batters in the final game.
Ireland vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Match Preview
By winning the last game in a comfortable fashion, New Zealand have already wrapped up the series. While the tourists have been clinical across departments, Ireland have collectively failed with the bat. Unless they bat better in the final match, a whitewash looms large.
Time: 22 July, 8.30 PM IST