With the help of an 82-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand defeated Ireland by six wickets in the third T20I match at the Civil Service Cricket Club in this city to win the series 3-0.
With this victory, the Black Caps have won both the three-match ODI series and the T20Is in their limited-overs contest against Ireland.
Paul Stirling got Ireland's innings off to a fast start when the team decided to bat first. However, after the hosts had reached 79/2 in just 10 overs, their middle order faltered, leaving them at 108/5 after 16 overs.
Stirling had a decent innings, but the total seemed to be on the verge of being average. With two boundaries off the opening two balls of the 17th over, Harry Tector attempted to turn the situation around, but a strong heave on the following ball resulted in his holing out, further complicating matters for Ireland.
But after Curtis Campher and Mark Adair teamed up, Ireland's situation began to improve. As Ireland scored 50 runs in the final three overs, the two put on a 58-run partnership in only 21 balls. Ireland scored a respectable 174 runs off the three overs, including four fours and four sixes.
With three boundaries in the second over off of Craig Young, Finn Allen gave New Zealand a fantastic start in the run chase. However, he fell in the same over to give the hosts an opportunity. However, Martin Guptill continued in the same manner and helped the Blackcaps reach 53 at the conclusion of the powerplay.
However, Ireland was able to gain control of the situation when Guptill was dismissed. Against Glenn Phillips, George Dockrell had two consecutive opportunities to score, but both of his catches were dropped. The very next delivery, however, brought him success at the other end with the important wicket of Guptill. The game was still up for grabs after 10 overs with New Zealand at 83/3.
Phillips and Daryl Mitchell grabbed control and established a steady position. Only two boundaries were hit in the opening six overs of the partnership as New Zealand limped to 112/3 in 14 overs. Mitchell and Phillips' 20-run over against Campher changed the course of the game when 63 needed to be scored in six overs. As the required run rate decreased, two sixes and a four were added to the over.
The 82-run stand between Phillips and Mitchell had given New Zealand the victory, and Joshua Little eventually got Mitchell out caught and bowled for 48 in 32 balls in the 17th over. With six balls remaining and a 3-0 series triumph for New Zealand, Phillips stayed on to reach his half-century.
Brief scores: Ireland 174/6 in 20 overs (Paul Stirling 40, Lorcan Tucker 28, Mark Adair 37 not out) lost to New Zealand 180/4 in 19 overs (Martin Guptill 25, Glenn Phillips 56 not out, Daryl Mitchell 48; Josh Little 2/33) by six wickets.