As the series switches to T20 cricket Ireland and New Zealand have repaired to Belfast.
Stormont will host the three match series between the hosts and touring Black Caps.
Ireland vs New Zealand | First T20I | Monday 18 July 2022 | Stormont, Belfast | 17:00
Ireland
Ireland came agonisingly close to an upset win over New Zealand in a thrilling third ODI and will hope to pick up another big T20I scalp.
Harry Tector comes into the series in superb form having smashed two hundreds in three innings in the ODI series.
George Dockrell is also looking like a fully-fledged allrounder and adds depth and security to the Ireland batting and is still his country’s top spinner.
Former net bowler Conor Olphert continues to make a big impression in T20I cricket and could be an x-factor bowler for the hosts.
New Zealand
New Zealand have tremendous firepower at their disposal and Stormont isn’t that big to boot.
They will need to be wary of Ireland’s new ball bowlers in swing-friendly conditions in Belfast.
In-form Daryl Mitchell returns to the side after a break following his recent Test heroics in England.
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in this series and should also be an important bowler given how many right-handers Ireland have.
Verdict: New Zealand
New Zealand should be able to hold off Ireland.
