More heartbreak for Ireland as New Zealand hang on for win

Ireland suffered heartbreak once again, falling to a one-run defeat chasing 361 against New Zealand in the third ODI

CENTURION: Paul Stirling of Ireland acknowledges the crowd after bringing up his century during the Men's One Day International match between Ireland and New Zealand at Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Having suffered a dramatic one-wicket loss in the series opener, Ireland were on the wrong end of another tight finish in the finale despite scintillating hundreds from Paul Stirling and Harry Tector. The pair 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. After 719 runs in the match, only one separated both sides.