IRE vs NZ: Ireland's Predicted Playing XI Against New Zealand , 2nd T20I

Ireland take on New Zealand in the second T20I in Belfast looking to draw level in the series. The hosts lost the first T20I by 31 runs as they failed to chase down 174 to win. This game is a must-win for them if they are to keep the series alive.

Ireland lost the T20I series against India before the ongoing series against the Kiwis. They are ranked 15 in the ICC rankings and need to win games to move up the table. Despite playing competitive cricket the team is not being able to win games consistently.

They played their best side with the available resources in the first T20I against New Zealand. The skipper is short of runs in recent times. He needs to step up and led by example by scoring crucial runs for his side. The likes of Paul Stirling and Harry Tector also need to contribute with the bat either batting first or chasing.

IRE vs NZ: Ireland’s Predicted Playing XI Against New Zealand, 2nd T20I

Paul Stirling

The veteran batter with over 100 T20Is scored just 13 off 16 balls. He was in good form in the ODI series but seems to have lost his touch in the T20Is.

Also Read: Star All-rounder Ben Stokes All Set To Retire From ODIs After Chester-le-Street ODI vs South Africa

Andrew Balbirnie (C)

The skipper needs to have a good game and lead by example. He scored a 60 in the second T20I against India but since then has been struggling for form.

Gareth Delany

Delany scored just five from three balls in the first T20I. He is a top-order batter and thus has to contribute with the bat for his side.

Harry Tector

Tector and Stirling did most of the scoring for the side in the ODIs. Both of them were dismissed cheaply and Ireland paid the price for it. Tector needs to score in the middle-order.

Curtis Campher

Campher is one of the all-rounders in this Irish side. He scored 29 with the bat and picked up one wicket with the ball bowling just two overs. The skipper needs to give him all his four overs as he is a much better bowler.

Lorcan Tucker (WK)

Tucker is the designated keeper of this Ireland side. He is a safe behind the stumps but needs to work on his batting. He will get yet another opportunity to get some runs under his belt.

George Dockrell

Dockrell is one of the veterans of this Ireland side. He is playing international cricket since 2010 and is still going strong. He picked up one wicket in the first T20I and needs to have a good game.

Mark Adair

Adair is one of the seamers who can also bat. He scored 25 with the bat and picked up two wickets in his spell. He needs to prove Ireland with crucial breakthroughs in the second T20I.

Andy McBrine

McBrine is one of the veterans off-spinners in this side. He has been playing international cricket for a long time as well. He can replace the seamer Barry McCarthy.

Craig Young

Young is a right-arm seamer and one of the more experienced ones in the recent squad. He bowled three good overs but went wicketless in the first ODI. He would hunt for wickets in the second.

Joshua Little

Little picked up 4/35 in the first T20I and did not allow New Zealand to run away with the game. He completes Ireland’s XI which they should look to field in the second game against the Kiwis.

Also Read: Cheteshwar Pujara Named Stand-In Captain Of Sussex County Team After Tom Haines’ Injury