Twitter Reactions: Heartbreak for Ireland as Michael Bracewell's century avoids upset in series opener

The first ODI of the three-match series between Ireland and New Zealand was a rollercoaster ride for both teams. The ride ended in the most thrilling manner as New Zealand bagged a one-wicket victory on the game’s penultimate delivery at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on Sunday, July 11.

Michael Bracewell’s unbeaten 127 off 82 guided the Black Caps to win the final over thriller as they chased down the 301-run target set by the hosts. The visitors faced a horrific time in the second innings, during the chase, as the hosts had managed to restrict them to a low score thereby picking five wickets in the course, but Bracewell’s innings helped them recover.

Opening batter Finn Allen (6 off 9) and Will Young (1 off 3) were taken down early, but it was Martin Guptill (51 off 61) who kept the hopes alive with his composed half-century. Tom Latham (23 off 25) provided good support, but he was dismissed early in his innings and soon followed the wicket of Henry Nicholls (7 off 10). Then entered Bracewell, and Ireland saw their worst nightmare coming true.

After Guptill’s wicket, he single-handedly recovered his side from the downfall. The all-rounder took over the responsibility and hit a variety of shots as he batted at a strike rate of 154. He kept losing partners at the other end, but didn’t put his guards down and covered up the chase as he smashed 10 fours and seven sixes during his time on the field. With 20 needed off the final over, Bracewell hit Craig Young for three fours and two sixes and clinched the victory to take up a 1-0 lead in the game.

Harry Tector’s century in vain

Earlier in the day, Ireland had an awful start as their opening batters were dismissed within just seven overs into the game. Andy McBrine (39 off 58) batted slowly but managed to add a few runs on board. But it was Harry Tector, who kept his good form going and notched up a century before being dismissed at 113(117). Curtis Campher (43 off 47) was a great aid in the middle order as the duo added 94 runs for the fourth wicket.

Tector’s wicket slowed the Irish innings, but lower-order batter Simi Singh played a brilliant cameo and added 30 runs off just 19 balls by hitting four fours and a six as Ireland ended up scoring 300/9. But their efforts went in vain as New Zealand managed to survive the scare.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted to the thrilling contest: