- New Zealand defeated Ireland by 88 runs to seal the victory.
- Bracewell took a hat-trick.
- Both teams will meet on Friday for the final T20I.
IRE vs NZ: Michael Bracewell completed New Zealand’s overwhelming 88-run victory over Ireland in the second Twenty20 match at Belfast with a hat-trick.
Ireland, chasing 180 to win, collapsed to 91 all out inside 14 overs at Stormont and were effectively defeated when off-spinner Bracewell removed tailenders Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, and Craig Young with consecutive deliveries to become only the third New Zealand bowler to take a hat-trick at this level after pacers Jacob Oram and Tim Southee.
Ish Sodhi’s performance of 3-21 included the wickets of Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, and George Dockrell, which halted Ireland’s innings.
Without the 37-run eighth-wicket partnership between Adair, who produced the highest score of the innings with 27, and McCarthy, Ireland might have faced an even more severe defeat.
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s seasoned opener, smashed Mitchell Santner for a six and a four in the first over of Ireland’s chase.
Stirling also hit Lockie Ferguson through the covers for another four before being out for 21 when he cut the quick bowler to mid-off.
Jacob Duffy bowled No. 3, Gareth Delany, for a golden duck after his dismissal precipitated a stunning collapse in which seven wickets were lost for 31 runs, transforming 23-0 into 54-7.
Earlier, Dane Cleaver’s unbeaten 78 brought New Zealand to 179-4 after Andy Balbirnie won the toss for Ireland.
Cleaver, in only his second T20 international, faced 55 balls, including five fours and four sixes, after New Zealand were 44-1 in the fifth over when he walked to the crease.
The series concludes on Friday when the teams return to Stormont.
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