BELFAST: New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell claimed his maiden T20I hat-trick in his first over to power the touring side seal a thumping 88-run victory over hosts Ireland in the second T20I of the three-match series.
Bracewell, who bowled the 14th over of the inning with the hosts struggling at 86/7 while chasing 180 further added to the misery of the home side as he claimed his first international hat-trick to wrap up a crushing victory for the visitors.
Set to chase 180, the Irish batting line-up failed completely and could only score 91 runs before being bowled out in the 14th over as leg-spinner Ish Sodhi and Bracewell took three each.
Mark Adair fought hard for the hosts with a gritty 27 off balls, while the opener Paul Stirling resisted with 21 off 15. The rest of the batters, however, remained clueless against the strong Kiwi bowling attack.
New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy also shone with two wickets, while Lockie Ferguson made one scalp.
Batting first, the visitors made the exceptional recovery at the death and managed to pose a decent total on the board at the back of an astonishing knock of wicket-keeper batter Dane Cleaver, who scored a quickfire 75 off 55 balls, laced with five boundaries and four sixes.
Meanwhile, young opening batter Finn Allen provided the visitors with a solid foundation, as he chipped in with a magnificent knock of 35 runs off a mere 20 deliveries, laced with four boundaries and two sixes.
The rest of the touring batters made small contributions as New Zealand recovered from 123/3 in the 15th over to 179/4 in the allotted 20 overs.
For Ireland, Craig Young and Josh Little bagged two wickets each.
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