IRE VS NZ 3RD ODI

Tom Latham is then seen posing with the trophy before his teammates join in on the celebration and pose for the team photo. And with that, the ODI series comes to and as New Zealand whitewash Ireland 3-0. There's plenty of action left in this tour as the three-match T20I series is up next. The first game of the series will be played on Monday, the 18th of July in Belfast and the match will begin at 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT) but you can join us early for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye!

The Black Caps skipper, Tom Latham says that it was a fantastic game and it has been a great spectacle for the crowd. Mentions that they batted well and put on a good score on the board but credits Ireland for the way they batted. Tells that their bowlers are pretty crafty and it was nice to see them executing their plans well in the end. Talks about his good record as a captain and says that all credit to the boys for the way they played and he is very happy for the team.

Andy Balbirnie, the captain of Ireland says that it is disappointing but he is proud of the way they have played. Says that Harry Tector and Paul Stirling played brilliantly and applauds Tector and says that he has a bright future ahead. Mentions that he is proud of the effort of the boys and says that they want to play these big teams regularly. Says that it shame that they are not playing any more ODIs this year but have some T20Is coming forward and are looking to do well in those.

Michael Bracewell is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his brilliant contribution with both bat and ball. He says that it has been an amazing series and applauds Ireland for the way they have played in this series and adds that all three games would have been gone either way. Mentions that it is a proud moment to don the New Zealand jersey and to win the player of the series award is special. Signs off by saying that they wanted to get 30 points in the World Cup Super League and it is nice to get it in the end.

Martin Guptill (115 off 126 balls) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He says that it has been an exciting series and it has been a great spectacle for the crowd. Tells that the extended break has helped him and says that it is always nice to contribute and says that to get a victory in the end, it feels good. Mentions that he lost his dad five years ago and it is nice to do this for him.

The presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Tom Latham won the toss and on a flat pitch decided to bat first. This decision proved to be positive as the Kiwi openers were off to an absolutely lightning-fast start. New Zealand, riding on a superb ton by Martin Guptill and a cracking knock by Henry Nicholls went on to post a mammoth total of 360 runs. The Irish bowlers were all taken to the cleaners and without the services of strike bowler Mark Adair it was always going to be difficult for them. The wicket was great for batting and the hosts came out all guns blazing and reached a point where they were ahead of the chase but the Kiwi bowlers got the wickets towards the end which broke the Irish momentum and New Zealand went on to win the ODI series 3-0. Stay tuned for the presentation.

Ireland will be thinking that cricket is a cruel game as within a span of a week, they have had two heartbreaking losses which not only cost them the series but crucial World Cup Super League points as well. The skipper faltered once again but his opening partner Paul Stirling was at his devastating best. Stirling along with upcoming Irish superstar Harry Tector added on 179 runs for the 3rd wicket and put the hosts in a position of promise. However, once Stirling got out for 120, Tector took a bit of time getting to his ton and then gave away his wicket. The tailenders provided a few lusty blows but none of them just hung on till the end which proved to be the difference between the two sides. Ireland have played some brilliant cricket but unfortunately, have nothing to show for it.

With 360 runs on the board, all New Zealand needed were a couple of early wickets and Matt Henry provided them an early wicket just as he has done throughout the series. Lockie Ferguson wasn't quite on song and after picking up a couple of wickets inside the first 10 overs, the Kiwi bowlers were largely ineffective for the next 20 or so overs. The spinners couldn't control the pace of the game and were easily dealt with. But just as the game went on, the bowlers started to pick up wickets and Henry and Santner ended up with 4 wickets and 3 wickets respectively. In the end, Blair Tickner who hasn't had the best of series stood up to bowl the final over and saw his side to victory.

So close yet so far and the Irish hearts are broken once again! What an absolute thriller of a match and Ireland were just moments away from accomplishing the fifth highest run chase in ODI history but Blair Tickner and New Zealand had other plans. In the end, the Kiwis held their nerves and have swept the series 3-0!

Bye! That's it! It's a brilliant final over from Blair Tickner and New Zealand have managed to hang on. This is bowled from 'round the wicket and it is slower and into the pitch, wide of off stump. Graham Hume looks to thrash it through covers but is beaten by the lack of pace. The batters scamper through for a bye as Tickner celebrates in style. New Zealand win by 1 run!

On a length, on off. Little heaves it towards long on. The fielder there fumbles a bit but manages to throw the ball back in time to keep it to just a single. 3 needed now from last ball!

Josh Little is the last man in for Ireland.

OUT! RUN OUT! Craig Young departs and the game just keeps on turning on its head. This is slower from Blair Tickner and bowled into the pitch. Young looks to launch it over long on but mistimes it badly. The ball is skied around the vacant mid on region. The ball falls safely as the batters push for two. Martin Guptill gets across from mid off and somehow manages to throw it towards the keeper. Tom Latham fetches the wide throw and whips off the bails. The replays show that Young was short depsite the dive and New Zealand are one wicket away from victory.

Is that run-out? The throw is a weak one and it comes to the keeper's end but the batter still seems to be short. The decision is taken upstairs and the replays show that Craig Young is well short of his crease. OUT!

FOUR! Glenn Phillips drops his third catch of the game! Ireland are just one boundary away now from levelling the scores. A short delivery on off. Young pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and Glenn Phillips runs to his right and dives to take the catch. He gets his hand on it but the ball does not stick and goes over the fence.

Just a single! Slower length ball, around off. Hume heaves it aerially but does not get any timing. The ball falls short of long on and a single is taken.

Dot to start the final over! Short and outside off. Hume looks to slash it away but misses.