MALAHIDE: New Zealand escaped by the proverbial skin of their teeth, defeating hosts Ireland by just one run in the high-scoring third and final One-day International here on Friday night, thus making a clean sweep of the series.
A patient century from Martin Guptill followed by a quick-fire 79 from middle-order batter Henry Nicholls helped the Black Caps amass a massive 360/6 in 50 overs. But Ireland, who have been worthy opponents, had two centurions in Paul Stirling and Harry Tector as they managed 359/9 before they ran out of deliveries, thus giving New Zealand a one-run win.
The pair of Stirling and Tector put on 179 off 150 balls for the third wicket as Ireland threatened to pull off their highest ever chase in ODIs. But with three required from the final ball of the match, debutant Graham Hume failed to make contact with a Blair Tickner slower ball, ensuring that New Zealand wrapped up a 3-0 series win.
A total of 719 runs were scored in the engrossing match.
Brief scores: New Zealand 360/6 in 50 overs (M Guptill 115, H Nicholls 79; J Little 2-84) beat Ireland 359/5 in 50 overs (P Stirling 120, H Tector 108; M Henry 4/68) by one run. IANS
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