Follow UsIreland will take on New Zealand in the third and final One-Day International at The Village in Dublin on Friday (July 15). The Black Caps have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series but Ireland have fought very hard and the scoreline could have easily been 2-0 in their favour.
Ground details
The Village Malahide has hosted five ODIs since 2021 and the batters here have scored runs at an average of 35.2, while a wicket has fallen every 37.2 deliveries. In the first ODI of the series, New Zealand somehow managed to chase down a target of 301. However, the second ODI turned out to be a low-scoring thriller. The fast bowlers here have an average of 36 and a strike rate of 36.7, while the corresponding numbers for spinners are 40.4 and 48.3 respectively.
Suggested team
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captain and vice-captain suggestions
For Small Leagues: Michael Bracewell (Captain) and Curtis Campher (Vice-Captain)
For Grand Leagues: Harry Tector (Captain) and Lockie Ferguson (Vice-Captain)
Stats that matter
Michael Bracewell is having a series to remember. If not for him, New Zealand could have easily lost both encounters. The 31-year-old has scored 169 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 138.52 and has also scalped two wickets in this series.
Curtis Campher is your proper utility player in white-ball cricket. Since 2021, the all-rounder has scored 329 runs at an average of 29.91 and has also taken nine wickets at a strike rate of 38.
Harry Tector has been in some form for Ireland in recent times. He could only score four runs in the second ODI but did slam a century in the first match. In his previous nine international games for Ireland, he had passed 50 on five occasions. In ODIs since 2021, Tector has scored 730 runs in 19 innings at 45.63.
Grand League Punts
Paul Stirling is yet to fire in this series but we all know how dangerous he could be once he gets going. In ODIs since 2021, the opener has smashed 775 runs in 18 innings at an average of 45.59, studded with two fifties and three centuries.
Lockie Ferguson was rested for the second ODI but he did claim two wickets in the first match. The tearaway quick has only played two ODIs since 2020 but has an outstanding record in the 50-over format, having taken 71 wickets in 38 innings at a strike rate of 28.3.
Probable XIs
Ireland - Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Andy McBrine, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Craig Young, Joshua Little.
New Zealand - Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Will Young, Tom Latham (c & wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.