Second T20I preview: Ireland vs New Zealand

New Zealand had too much firepower for Ireland in the first T20I despite the sporting surface in Stormont.

The series is poised to get tricky for New Zealand if they allow complacency to settle in.

Veteran opening pair Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie couldn’t fire, and after the lean ODI series both men had, will be starting to feel the heat.

Harry Tector was accounted for by spin without doing significant damage to New Zealand but he remains the real dangerman in this Irish side.

George Dockrell has proven to be hugely valuable as well both with his spin and his batting.

Mark Adair also chips in with the bat and has grown into Ireland’s biggest threat with the new ball.

Lockie Ferguson showed that he still has the ability to bully teams in T20 cricket with a terrific blitz.

Glenn Phillips displayed a cool head in the series opener after a shaky start for the Black Caps.

Jimmy Neesham played a key role with bat and ball and brings experience and composure to an experimental lineup.

New Zealand have to stay on top of an Ireland side that could sting them at any time.

Verdict: New Zealand

The tourists should wrap up the series.

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